@article{ref1,
title="The mental health and help-seeking behaviour of resettled Afghan refugees in Australia",
journal="International journal of mental health systems",
year="2017",
author="Slewa-Younan, Shameran and Yaser, Anisa and Guajardo, Maria Gabriela Uribe and Mannan, Haider and Smith, Caroline A. and Mond, Jonathan M.",
volume="11",
number="",
pages="e49-e49",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Psychological trauma, in particular, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, are highly prevalent among resettled refugees. However, little is known regarding the mental health status and associated help-seeking behaviour of resettled Afghan refugees in Australia. <br><br>METHODS: A sample of 150 resettled Afghan refugees (74 males; mean age 32.8 years, SD = 12.2) living in Adelaide, South Australia were recruited. Self-reported measures of PTSD, depression, exposure to traumatic events, functional impairment, self-recognition of PTSD symptomatology and help-seeking behaviours were completed. Multivariate analysis of variables associated with help-seeking was conducted. <br><br>RESULTS: Forty-four percent of participants met criteria for clinically significant PTSD symptoms and all but one participant reported being exposed to 1 or more traumatic and/or conflict related events, such as 'losing your property and wealth'. Moreover, 14.7% of participants had symptoms suggestive of clinically significant depression. General practitioners were the most common source of help in relation to mental health problems, with very few participants (4.6%) seeking help from specialist trauma and torture mental health services. Self-recognition of having a PTSD related mental health problem and functional impairment levels were both found to be independent predictors of help-seeking (p ≤ .05). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide further evidence for high rates of PTSD symptomatology and low uptake of mental care among resettled refugees. Poor self-recognition of the presence and/or adverse impact of PTSD symptoms may need to be targeted in mental health promotion programs designed to improve &quot;mental health literacy&quot; and thereby promote early and appropriate help-seeking where this is needed.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1752-4458",
doi="10.1186/s13033-017-0157-z",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13033-017-0157-z"
}