3015.0: Monday, October 22, 2001 - 1:30 PM

Abstract #25944

History of government-sponsored torture among Somali and Oromo refugees

Cheryl Lee Robertson, RN, MPH, PHD1, Linda Halcon, PHD, MPH, RN1, David Johnson, MD, MPH2, Joseph Westermeyer, MD, MPH, PHD2, James Butcher, PHD3, Kay Savik, MS1, and James Jaranson, MD, MA, MPH4. (1) School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 6-101 Weaver Densford Hall, 308 Harvard Street, Mineapolis, MN, MN 55455-0342, 612-624-9600, robe0192@tc.umn.edu, (2) Psychiatry, VAMC, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, (3) Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, (4) Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, 1-210 Moos tower, 515 Delaware St., Minneapolis, MN 55455

OBJECTIVES: Refugee survivors of government-sponsored torture often experience long-term mental health problems and a compromised quality of life. This study describes the prevalence of torture history and its association with physical, social and mental health problems among Somali and Oromo (Ethiopian) refugees in Minneapolis/St.Paul, MN. METHODS: A population-based sample of 1200 Somali and Oromo refugees (300 of each gender by ethnicity) was recruited using modified snowball sampling. Recruitment and data collection were conducted in public settings or subjects' homes in subjects' native language by gender/ethnically matched interviewers. Questionnaire content included demographics, history and characteristics of trauma and torture, and physical, mental health and social problems. Scales were developed for physical problems(a=.79), mental problems or stressors(a=.68), and problems in daily living(a=.76). RESULTS: Among the first two-thirds of subjects evaluated, the prevalence of torture was higher than anticipated and varied markedly by gender and ethnicity, with reported torture history higher in females (40% vs. 33%, p=.05) and Oromo vs. Somali (53% vs. 27%, p<.01). Torture survivors were less likely to be single, but more likely to be married and not living with their spouse. Torture survivors scored higher on physical problems, mental problems and stressors, as well as problems in daily living. Final results will be presented. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results of this population-based survey suggest high rates of torture history and associated problems among Somali and Oromo refugees. Given the widespread nature of torture and its likely sequelae, broad community-based intervention strategies are needed in addition to individual clinic-based treatment.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation the participants will be able to: 1) Identify the rates of a torture history among Somali and Oromo refugees 2) Discuss the association between a history of torture and physical, social, and daily living problems

Keywords: Torture, War

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA