| 1. |
- Gottvall, Maria, 1980-, et al.
(författare)
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Health-related quality of life among Syrian refugees resettled in Sweden
- 2020
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Ingår i: Quality of Life Research. - : Springer. - 0962-9343 .- 1573-2649. ; 29:2, s. 505-514
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose The main purpose of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Syrian refugees resettled in Sweden. Further, we wanted to investigate whether sex, age, education, area of residence, cohabitation and social support were associated with HRQoL in this population. Methods This is a cross-sectional study including 1215 Syrian refugees from a randomly selected sample frame resettled in Sweden between the years 2011 and 2013. HRQoL was measured by the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system, and EQ-5D-5L index values were calculated. Associations between sex, age, education, area of residence, cohabitation, social support and EQ-5D-5L were investigated using multiple linear regression analysis. Results Depression/anxiety was the most commonly (61.9%) reported EQ-5D-5L problem among the group of Syrian refugees. The mean EQ-5D-5L index value was found to be 0.754. Male sex, younger age, cohabitation and social support were found associated with a higher EQ-5D-5L index score. Conclusions Our results concerning long-lasting health problems among the study population indicate that there is a profound need for policies and interventions promoting refugees' health. Our results also show that social support, a modifiable factor, is relevant to refugees' overall health, pointing to the importance of public health interventions and policies targeting the facilitation, mobilization and enhancing of refugees' social support.
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| 2. |
- Helgesson, Magnus, et al.
(författare)
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Disability pension and mortality in individuals with specific somatic and mental disorders : examining differences between refugees and Swedish-born individuals
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0143-005X .- 1470-2738. ; 75:8, s. 721-728
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background More than half a million refugees have arrived to Sweden during the last decade. The aim was to investigate differences between refugees and Swedish-born individuals regarding different specific somatic and mental disorders, and subsequent disability pension and mortality. Methods All refugees (n=239 742) and Swedish-born individuals (n=4 133 898), aged 19-60 years, resident in Sweden on 31st of December in 2009 were included in this population-based prospective cohort study. Data from six nationwide Swedish registers were linked by the unique anonymised identification number. HRs with 95% CIs were computed for disability pension and mortality 2010-2013 by Cox regression models. Results Compared with their Swedish-born counterparts with mental or somatic diagnoses, refugees with these diagnoses had a higher risk of subsequent disability pension and a lower risk of mortality. Highest estimates for disability pension were seen for refugees with neoplasm (HR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.56 to 1.91), musculoskeletal disorders (HR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.47 to 1.67), diseases of the circulatory system (HR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.45), depressive disorders (HR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.41) and diabetes mellitus (HR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.47). The risk of mortality was lowest for refugees with regard to bipolar disorders (HR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.82), post-traumatic stress disorder (HR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.54) and least pronounced in regard to neoplasm (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.77) compared with Swedish-born with similar disorders. Conclusion Refugees have a generally higher risk of disability pension compared with Swedish-born with specific somatic and mental disorders. Despite this, refugees with all specific disorders have lower risk estimates of mortality, probably due to a healthy selection. The higher risk of disability pension might therefore be due to other causes besides poor health.
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| 3. |
- Kidayi, Paulo L, et al.
(författare)
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Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Swahili Version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-BR45 among Breast Cancer Patients in Tanzania
- 2023
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Ingår i: Healthcare. - : MDPI. - 2227-9032. ; 11:18
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women in Africa and contributes to premature death and poor quality of life. This study aimed to determine the validity, reliability, and psychometric properties of the Swahili version of EORTC QLQ-BR45 among women with breast cancer in Tanzania. A cross-sectional study design with non-probability convenience sampling was employed. Data were collected in two tertiary hospitals and one national cancer institute; 414 participants completed the EORTC-QLQ-C-30 and EORTC-QLQ-BR45. The reliability of QLQ-BR45 was measured using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's Omega coefficients. The factor structure of EORTC QLQ-BR45 was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistencies for the five dimensions were all above 0.7 indicating satisfaction, except for systemic therapy side effects with a marginal value of 0.594 and significant correlations between the dimensions of QLQ-C30 and BR45. The final model fit well to the data, with the comparative fit index = 0.953, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.947, root mean square error of approximation = 0.041 (90% CI: 0.035, 0.046), and standardized root mean square residual = 0.072. In conclusion, the QLQ BR45 Swahili version displayed good reliability, validity, and psychometric properties and can be used in Swahili-speaking Sub-Saharan countries.
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| 4. |
- Malm, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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The refugee post-migration stress scale (RPMS) - development and validation among refugees from Syria recently resettled in Sweden
- 2020
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Ingår i: Conflict and Health. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1752-1505. ; 14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Despite the growing recognition of the impact of post-resettlement factors on the mental health of refugees, a clear definition of the concept of post-migration stress, as well as an updated, valid instrument for assessing the construct, are still lacking. The aim of the current study was to develop and validate the Refugee Post-Migration Stress Scale (RPMS), a concise, multi-dimensional instrument for assessing post-migration stress among refugees.Results: Based on a review of previous research and observations from a refugee trauma clinic, a preliminary 24-item instrument was developed, covering seven hypothesized domains of post-migration stress: perceived discrimination, lack of host country specific competences, material and economic strain, loss of home country, family and home country concerns, social strain, and family conflicts.In the context of a population-based survey of mental health among refugees from Syria recently resettled in Sweden (n = 1215), the factorial structure of the RPMS was investigated. Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed slightly insufficient fit for the initial theorized multi-domain model. Exploratory Factor Analysis in four iterations resulted in the omission of three items and an adequate fit of a 7-factor model, corresponding to the seven hypothesized domains of post-migration stress. To assess concurrent validity, correlational analyses with measures of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and mental wellbeing were carried out. All domains of post-migration stress showed significant correlations with anxiety, depression, and PTSD scores, and significant negative correlations with mental wellbeing scores.Conclusions: The newly developed RPMS appears to be a valid instrument for assessing refugee post-migration stress. Our findings that post-migration stress primarily relating to social and economic factors seems to be associated with mental ill health among refugees is in line with previous research.
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| 5. |
- Nahlén Bose, Catarina, et al.
(författare)
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Adaptation of Coping Effectiveness Training for Patients With Heart Failure and Patient-Reported Experience of the Intervention
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Patient Experience. - : Sage Publications. - 2374-3735 .- 2374-3743. ; 7:6, s. 1054-1061
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Although patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) often experience psychological distress, psychosocial aspects are not an integral part of their treatment and care. The aim is to describe the adaptation of Coping Effectiveness Training for patients with CHF and the participants? reported experiences. The intervention workbook and manual were translated into Swedish and adapted for patients with CHF. Patient-reported experience from 33 of 35 participants, that had completed the psychosocial intervention, was measured with an evaluation form consisting of closed and open-ended questions. Most participants thought they benefited from the intervention, were pleased with the structure and did not want to add anything to the program. The benefits experienced were learning how to cope with the illness and meeting other people to share and discuss experiences. There was a variation concerning the group process of how much direction should be given during the discussions. Overall, unique data from patient-reported experience measure showed that the participants were satisfied with the psychosocial intervention, applied for the first time to patients with CHF.
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| 6. |
- Niederkrotenthaler, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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The role of refugee status and mental disorders regarding subsequent labour market marginalisation : a register study from Sweden
- 2020
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Ingår i: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. - : Springer. - 0933-7954 .- 1433-9285. ; 55, s. 697-704
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the role of refugee status and specific mental disorders regarding subsequent labour market marginalisation.METHODS: Prospective cohort study of all refugees (n = 216,930) and Swedish-borns (n = 3,841,788), aged 19-60 years, and resident in Sweden in 2009. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for long-term unemployment (> 180 days) and disability pension (DP) were calculated with Cox regression analyses.RESULTS: Mental disorders were more prevalent in refugees compared to Swedish-born individuals, with greatest differences seen for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; refugees 1.3%; Swedish-born individuals 0.1%). Regarding long-term unemployment, refugees without a mental disorder had an adjusted HR (aHR) of 2.68 (95% CI 2.65-2.71) compared to Swedish-born individuals without mental disorders, which was above the aHR of refugees (aHR 2.33, 95% CI 2.29-2.38) and Swedish-born individuals (aHR 1.44, 95% CI 1.43-1.45) with mental disorders. Regarding DP, compared to Swedish-born individuals without mental disorders, the aHRs were 1.44 (95% CI 1.34-1.54) for refugees without, but 6.11 (95% CI 5.84-6.39) for refugees with mental disorders. Swedish-born individuals with mental disorder had an aHR of 3.96 (95% CI 3.85-4.07). With regard to specific disorders, the aHRs for refugees, as compared to Swedish-born individuals without mental disorders, were markedly increased for all disorders (e.g. PTSD: long-term unemployment aHR: 2.03 (95% CI 1.89-2.18); DP 7.07 (95% CI 6.42-7.78).CONCLUSION: Mental disorders are more prevalent in refugees than in Swedish-born individuals but do not appear to increase their risk of long-term unemployment. Refugee status and mental disorders strongly contribute to the risk of DP, indicating that factors beyond medical considerations contribute to their granting of DP.
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| 7. |
- Nilsson, Henrik, et al.
(författare)
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Physical activity, post-traumatic stress disorder, and exposure to torture among asylum seekers in Sweden : a cross-sectional study.
- 2021
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Ingår i: BMC Psychiatry. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-244X. ; 21:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Forced migrant populations have high rates of trauma-related ill health, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Physical activity (PA) is well-established as an effective stress reliever, while insufficient PA is associated with adverse effects on both mental and physical health. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of different levels of PA and its association with PTSD symptom severity, controlled for exposure to torture, among asylum seekers in Sweden.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study, with data from 455 asylum seekers, originating from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Somalia, and Syria, residing at large housing facilities across Sweden. Level of PA was assessed by the Exercise Vital Sign and categorized as; Inactive, Insufficient PA, and Sufficient PA. Prevalence estimates for proportions of different levels of PA were calculated. Analysis of variance were conducted to determine the association between levels of PA and PTSD symptom severity, measured by the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the contribution of PA on PTSD beyond sex, age, and exposure to torture.RESULTS: About half of the participants (53.3, 95% CI: 48.6-58.1) met the recommendations for Sufficient PA. One third of the participants (33.3, 95% CI: 28.7-37.8) were insufficiently engaged in PA, and 13.4% (95% CI: 10.1-16.7) were inactive. There was a significant difference in PTSD symptom severity between groups of asylum seekers with different levels of PA (F(2, 316) = 23.15, p < .001). When controlling for sex, age, and exposure to torture, Sufficient PA was found to be associated with less PTSD symptom severity compared to both Insufficient PA (B = 0.297, SE = 0.086, p < .001) and Inactive (B = 0.789, SE = 0.104, p < .001).CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient PA was common among the asylum seekers and our findings suggest that more PA is highly associated with lower PTSD symptom severity. An increased focus on assessment and promotion of PA is justified and discussed as particularly pertinent considering the much extended time of asylum-seeking processes. The results support previous evidence of PA as a potentially important factor in the context of PTSD and forced migrants' health.
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| 8. |
- Nissen, Alexander, et al.
(författare)
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Cohort profile : Resettlement in Uprooted Groups Explored (REFUGE)-a longitudinal study of mental health and integration in adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway between 2015 and 2017
- 2020
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Ingår i: BMJ Open. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2044-6055. ; 10:7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PURPOSE: In the field of forced migration and mental health research, longitudinal studies with large sample sizes and rigorous methodology are lacking. Therefore, the Resettlement in Uprooted Groups Explored (REFUGE)-study was initiated in order to enhance current knowledge on mental health, quality of life and integration among adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway. The main aims of the study are to investigate risk and protective factors for mental ill health in a longitudinal perspective; to trace mental health trajectories and investigate important modifiers of these trajectories and to explore the association between mental health and integration in the years following resettlement. The aims will be pursued by combining data from a longitudinal, three-wave questionnaire survey with data from population-based registries on education; work participation and sick-leave; healthcare utilisation and drug prescription. The goal is to incorporate the data in an internationally shared database, the REFUGE-database, where collaborating researchers may access and use data from the study as well as deposit data from similar studies.PARTICIPANTS: Adult (≥18 years), Syrian citizens who arrived in Norway as quota refugees, asylum seekers or through Norway's family reunion programme between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017. Of the initial 9990 sampled individuals for the first wave of the study (REFUGE-I), 8752 were reached by post or telephone and 902 responded (response rate=10.3%).FINDINGS TO DATE: None published.FUTURE PLANS: The REFUGE-cohort study will conduct two additional data collections (2020 and 2021). Furthermore, questionnaire data will be linked to population-based registries after all three waves of data collection have been completed. Registry data will be obtained for time-periods both prior to and after the survey data collection points. Finally, pending ethics approval, we will begin the process of merging the Norwegian REFUGE-cohort with existing datasets in Sweden, establishing the extended REFUGE-database.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClincalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03742128).
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| 9. |
- Nissen, Alexander, et al.
(författare)
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Mental health in adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway between 2015 and 2017 : a nationwide, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional prevalence study
- 2021
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Ingår i: European Journal of Psychotraumatology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 2000-8198 .- 2000-8066. ; 12:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background The number of forcibly displaced people globally has never been higher, with refugees from Syria constituting the largest displaced population worldwide. Many studies have documented elevated levels of mental health problems in refugee populations, though prevalence estimates of common mental disorders vary considerably between studies, explained both by methodological and contextual factors.Objective Using questionnaire-based screening checklists to approximate the prevalence of and investigate risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression among adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway and to compare estimates with a sister-study in Sweden.Method Cross-sectional survey of a randomly selected sample from the National Population Register in Norway of adult refugees from Syria who were granted residency rights in Norway between 2015 and 2017 (N (sample) = 9,990; n (respondents) = 902). Above-threshold scores on the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) and Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) defined caseness for PTSD (HTQ>2.06); anxiety (HSCLanxitey>1.75); and depression (HSCLdepression>1.80).Results Weighted, checklist-positive prevalence estimates for PTSD, anxiety and depression were 29.7% (25.4%-34.4%), 30.1% (25.7%-34.9%), and 45.2% (40.6%-49.8%), respectively. Cumulative exposure to potentially traumatic experiences before or during flight was a clear risk factor for all outcomes, and female gender was a risk factor for anxiety and depression, though only in adjusted analyses. The choice of HTQ cut-off to define PTSD caseness (2.5 vs. 2.06) had a notable effect on prevalence estimates. Conclusion In line with prior evidence, the present study suggests adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway have higher rates of anxiety and depression and markedly higher rates of PTSD compared to general, non-refugee populations, and that this is clearly linked to past traumatic experiences. Prevalence estimates were highly consistent with estimates from the sister-study in Sweden, which used almost identical methodology. Findings underline the importance of screening for and intervening on mental health problems in newly arrived refugees.
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| 10. |
- Nordhall, Ola
(författare)
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Feeling and Thinking at Work : Personal and Collective Work-Identity Predictions and Formations
- 2021
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The aim of the present thesis was to investigate emotional and cognitive personal and collective work-identity in predicting employees’ work-related motivation, organizational justice perceptions, general mental health and exhaustion; as well as if psychosocial working conditions might explain some of these relationships. Emotion and cognition in formation of personal and collective work-identity were also investigated. The sample consisted of 768 teachers responding to a questionnaire (Study I-IV) during spring 2016. The results showed that personal work-identity positively predicted self-determined work motivation, accounted for by the emotion component, and collective work-identity positively predicted organizational pay justice, accounted for by the cognition component (Study I). Emotional personal and cognitive collective work-identity positively predicted general mental health and negatively predicted exhaustion. Reversed relationships were found for cognitive personal and emotional collective work-identity (Study II). Teachers’ psychological job demands and resources mediated the relations between emotional and cognitive personal and collective work-identity, respectively, and exhaustion and self-determined work motivation, respectively (Study III). Emotional processes positively predicted cognitive processes, and the emotional profile showed effects on cognitive processes regarding personal work-identity formation, while cognitive processes positively predicted emotional processes, and the cognitive profile showed effects on emotional processes regarding collective work-identity formation (Study IV). In conclusion, emotional and cognitive personal and collective work-identity play significant but different roles in predicting work-related motivation, organizational pay justice as well as general mental health and exhaustion. Also, teachers’ psychosocial working conditions may contribute to explaining some of these associations. Finally, emotion and cognition may play different roles in the formation of personal and collective work-identity.
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