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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Linda Halcon, PHD, MPH, RN1, Cheryl Robertson, PhD, MPH, RN1, Kay Savik, MS1, James Butcher, PHD2, David Johnson, MD, MPH3, Marline Spring, PhD4, Joseph Westermeyer, MD, MPH, PHD3, and James Jaranson, MD, MA, MPH5. (1) School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 6-101 Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0342, 612-626-6450, halco001@umn.edu, (2) Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, (3) Psychiatry, VAMC, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, (4) Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, 1-210 Moos Tower, 308 Harvard St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, (5) Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, 1-210 Moos tower, 515 Delaware St., Minneapolis, MN 55455
OBJECTIVE: To describe war-related trauma history, immigration factors, and associated problems among Somali and Oromo youth. DESIGN: Analysis of a subset of participants (N=338) ages 18-25 from a population-based survey of 1134 Somali and Oromo refugees. Content included demographics, trauma history, life situation and scales for physical (a=.69), psychological (a=.56) and daily living problems (a=.69), and post-traumatic stress check list (a=.92). RESULTS: The average emigration age was 14.8 years, with 4.2 years in transit and 2.0 years in the U.S.; 60% reported plans to return home to live. 66% had less than a high school education (Oromo females 83%), and 49% had problems with English. 49% were employed (38% F vs. 57% M). 70% were single, with Somali females more likely to be partnered and mothers than Oromo (39% vs. 19%). There were significant differences for all problem scales by ethnicity/gender. More females reported feeling alone (24% vs. 61%, p<.001). Youth had lower rates of PTSD than older refugees (10.9 vs. 18.0%); for all, those with scores suggesting PTSD reported more traumatic events (28 vs. 16). Trauma history was strongly associated with physical, psychological and daily living problems. CONCLUSIONS: Many Somali and Oromo youth experience life problems associated with war trauma. The high number without high school education or English proficiency suggests they are not prepared for successful U.S. adult life. Feelings of isolation and plans to return home may represent additional barriers. These data suggest a need for age-appropriate public health strategies to promote the health of refugee youth.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Adolescents, International, Refugees
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.