Citation

Hess RF, Croasmun AC, Pittman C, Baird MB, Ross R. J. Transcult. Nurs. 2022; 33(3): 314-323.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/10436596211070599

PMID

35100889

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Bhutanese refugees may exhibit psychological distress (PD), post-traumatic stress (PTS), and suicidal ideation (SI), but little is known about predictors of these mental health problems.
PURPOSE: To examine rates and predictors of PD, PTS, and SI among Bhutanese refugees.
METHODS: Cross-sectional correlational study of 209 Bhutanese refugees in Midwestern United States. Data were collected using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist/Nepali version and Refugee Health Screener-15/PTS subscale and then analyzed using simultaneous multiple regression.
RESULTS: Rates of PD, PTS, and SI were 18.7%, 8.1%, and 7.7%, respectively. Significant predictors of PD were a history of mental health treatment (p<.001) and fewer years of schooling (p =.032). Predictors of PTS were history of mental health treatment (p<.001), female gender (p =.016), fewer years of schooling (p =.012), and being single/previously married (p =.004). PTS predicted SI (ρ<.001).
DISCUSSION: Health providers should routinely assess Bhutanese refugees' mental health status for timely further assessment and treatment.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; United States; Female; mental health; Suicidal Ideation; psychological distress; Refugees; suicidal ideation; depression; anxiety; Stress, Psychological; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Bhutan; posttraumatic stress; predictors; refugees; Psychological Distress; Hopkins Symptom Checklist; Nepali-speaking Bhutanese