Mental health services should acknowledge and respect refugee social and cultural values to increase update/use

Commentary on: Fine SL, Kane JC, Spiegel PB, Tol WA, Ventevogel P. Ten years of tracking mental health in refugee primary healthcare settings: an updated analysis of data from UNHCR’s Health Information System (2009–2018). BMC Med. 2022 May 16;20(1):183. doi: 10.1186/s12916-022-02371-8. Implications for practice and research Mental health services are and better accepted and used when delivered to refugees in a manner that respects their cultural identity, acknowledges their priorities and addresses their barriers. Innovative, culturally sensitive approaches of mental health service provision in refugee communities should be tried to enhance refugees’ acceptance and use. Further research is needed, which focuses on refugees’ perceived barriers of service use. Context Refugees often face unparalleled levels of hardship and massive heights of unrest.1 Symptoms of depression and other mental health problems are prevalent in refugee communities.2 However, refugees seem to seek...

Source: Evidence-Based Nursing - March 21, 2023 Category: Nursing Authors: Alduraidi, H. Tags: Mental health Commentary Source Type: research