A pilot intervention for promoting multiethnic adult refugee groups' mental health: A descriptive paper

Background: Previous studies showed that refugee adults living in the U.S. were at increased risk of having mental disorder due to their pre-immigration, migration and post-immigration risk factors. This paper describes a funded one-year (2008-2009) pilot intervention “Happy, Happy Community” which aimed to promote multiethnic adult refugee groups' mental health. Methods: The intervention was designed by following the Precede-Proceed planning model, and was based on two theories, the Health Belief Model and Social Support/Social Network theory. The refugee participants living in two local resettlement communities in Greensboro, NC (Glen Haven Apartments and Avalon Apartments), received the intervention. The intervention activities included educational workshops, support group discussions and small-scale depression screening with referrals. Results: In total, twelve workshops and twelve support groups were implemented. Fifty-five refugees from the multicultural groups participated in these two types of activities. About half of them received the depression screening. Six of them needed a follow-up referral. Each participant was provided access to professional psychological counseling. The community leaders were also identified for sustaining the intervention activities. Discussion: The lessons learned from the implementation will be presented, and are organized into the following categories: participants' recruitment; incentives for maintaining the attendance; the use of interpreters; collaboration with the similar programs; and collaboration between public health practitioners and social workers. Implications (e.g. replication and application) for future interventions will also be discussed. Funding and policy supports may be the keys for radically resolving the refugees' mental health needs.