Citation

Hondius AJ, van Willigen LH, Kleijn WC, van der Ploeg HM. J. Trauma. Stress 2000; 13(4): 619-634.

Affiliation

Psychiatric Center De Wellen, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1023/A:1007858116390

PMID

11109235

Abstract

In two studies (n = 480; n = 156), the health problems (somatic, psychological, and migration-related complaints) of refugees were examined, in relation to violence, demographic, and asylum variables (ongoing sociopsychological strain). High frequencies for torture events and a substantial number of medical complaints were reported, but few cases of diagnosable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were identified (Study I: 6%; Study II: 11%). Not only reported violence, but also the current social situation contributed to the experiencing of ongoing health complaints. Refugees attributed their somatic and psychological complaints to illness (48%) and to torture (29%) and psychological complaints, in particular, to worries related to the postmigration situation (40%). Paying attention only to health complaints and to past violent experiences is too limited an approach in responding to the needs of refugees.

Language: en