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10 October 2023

Mental health of refugees and migrants: risk and protective factors and access to care

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The World Health Organization published the fifth report in its Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration (GEHM) series. The publication gives an overview of available evidence on patterns of risk and protective factors in the mental health needs of refugees and migrants, and examines facilitators and barriers to care at the individual, family, community and national levels. It identifies five key themes to be addressed in order to improve access to mental health care for refugees and migrants: 

  • Community support: Evidence shows that being part of a community with a shared background and attending school are associated with lower rates of mental disorders. 
  • Basic needs and security. An insecure legal status, for example, can contribute to poor mental health.
  • Stigma: experiences of racism and discrimination are consistently associated with adverse mental health outcomes. 
  • Adversity and trauma. Extended detention, for example, is associated with increased rates of depression and PTSD.
  • Access to services. Refugees and migrants often do not prioritise their mental health because they are not aware of the services available free of charge or do not accept health care due to language barriers and concerns around confidentiality.

Based on these themes, policy considerations are put forward to serve as a starting point for recognising and responding to the needs of refugee and migrant groups. 

Mental health of refugees and migrants: risk and protective factors and access to care
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Geographic area
International
Contributor type
International organisation
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Posted by
Olivia Long
Content manager

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