MSc Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/13031

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Assessing the Impact of School-Related Stress and Associated Coping Strategies on the Mental Health of Undergraduate Students in Nigeria
(2024-08-05) Unknown author
University students are among the categories of people who experience elevated and prolonged stress globally. Due to protracted exposure to diverse stressors in their academic and home environments, they also experience chronic stress which affects their mental balance and wellness. Against this background, this study investigated academic stress among Nigerian undergraduate students, focusing on its causes, gender distribution, mental health correlates, and coping strategies. Convenience and snowball sampling techniques were employed to 70 students between ages 18-27 from Nigerian universities to complete a self-administered cross-sectional online survey. The data was statistically analysed in SPSS. Results revealed high stress levels, with over 80% of participants reporting high to very high academic stress. Primary stressors included academic workload, fear of failing exams, and financial concerns. Contrary to many international studies, male students reported higher stress levels than females, suggesting unique cultural and societal pressures. Mental health correlates showed significant relationships between stress and feelings of anxiety and sleep disturbances, while feelings depression exhibited a complex, non-significant association despite high prevalence. Spirituality and entertainment emerged as the most common coping strategies, while academic support services were underutilized due to stigma and lack of awareness. Limitations include the small sample size and cross-sectional design. Future research should employ larger samples, longitudinal designs, and mixed methods to deeper explore the nuanced stress experiences of Nigerian students. This study contributes to the understanding of academic stress in the Nigerian context and provides a foundation for evidence-based reforms to promote student well-being alongside academic success.
ASSESSING THE MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL BURDENS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED CHILDREN IN DAMARE IDP CAMP, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA.
(2024-02-12) Unknown author
Children in North-Eastern Nigeria have endured prolonged exposure to armed conflict since 2009 due to the activities of the extremist group Boko Haram. This ongoing conflict has a direct and adverse impact on the development of children in North-Eastern Nigeria. This phenomenological study explored the mental health and psychosocial burdens experienced by internally displaced children due to the Boko Haram insurgency. Eight parents/caregivers of the Internally Displaced children from Damare IDP Camp, Adamawa State, Nigeria were interviewed. Findings revealed profound trauma, grief and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms among children who endured and witnessed extreme violence. High prevalence of flashbacks, emotional numbness, sleep troubles, and poor concentration aligned with research on mental health outcomes of terrorism and disaster exposures. Attacks also severely disrupted education, through destruction of over 1500 schools, fears undermining attendance and declining academic capacity amidst grief over dead peers. The available coping and support services within the IDP camp are minimally provided by the Government, Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and vitally, religious groups. Multiple barriers persist around affordability, transport, understaffing, stigmatization, and misconceptions about mental illness treatment. Urgent action is imperative to aid recovery and resilience among vulnerable displaced children facing lasting psychological scars. Recommendations include improving camp infrastructure, eliminating service fees, rebuilding bombed schools, equipping community workers for basic cognitive interventions, increasing mental health outreach and medication access, sponsoring accelerated learning programs, reducing stigma via collaborating with religious leaders, and advancing research on sociocultural dimensions influencing displaced children’s trauma within this context.
“Barriers to mental health services: A Narrative Review of Obstacles to Care Access Amongst Syrian Asylum Seekers and Refugees Residing in Türkiye”
(2024-08-05) Unknown author
The ongoing Syrian civil war has precipitated a massive forced displacement, with Türkiye hosting approximately 3.76 million Syrian asylum seekers (UNHCR, 2023). Despite the high prevalence of mental health conditions among this population, significant gaps remain in understanding the obstacles they face in accessing essential mental health services. This dissertation presents a narrative review synthesizing existing research on the barriers to mental health care access for Syrian asylum seekers in Türkiye. Utilizing the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) pyramid framework, this study examines the multi-layered factors influencing mental health service accessibility and utilization. The review explores socio-cultural, economic, and political barriers, as well as systemic challenges within the Turkish healthcare system that impact service provision for this vulnerable population. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, focusing on studies published between 2014 and 2024. The narrative synthesis highlights key themes in access barriers, including cultural beliefs and stigma, language barriers, lack of awareness about available services, financial constraints, and policy-related challenges. The findings of this review contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of factors affecting mental health care access for Syrian population in Türkiye. By elucidating these barriers, this study aims to inform policy makers, healthcare providers, and humanitarian organizations in developing more effective, culturally sensitive, and accessible mental health interventions for this population. This research underscores the need for innovative approaches to mental health service delivery, such as community-based interventions and cross-sector partnerships, to enhance the reach and impact of psychological support for Syrian asylum seekers in Türkiye. The insights gained from this review can guide future initiatives aimed at improving mental health outcomes and overall well-being for this displaced population.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: An intervention of promise for mental health consequences of racial discrimination among refugees- A narrative review.
(2023-02-13) Unknown author
Background: Despite yet-unidentified eradicative measures, the poison of racism permeates the fabric of modern society, which is replete with racial discrimination. Regardless, vulnerable populations such as refugees are not impervious to its deleterious impact. While we wait for a definitive solution to racism, it is critical that an intervention be offered to mitigate the psychological effects of racial discrimination on this high-risk population. The mental health consequences of racial discrimination are well documented in the refugee population; however, there is no empirically proven intervention to mitigate its negative effects. Cognitive behavioural interventions (TF-CBT and CA-CBT) may be a novel intervention for reducing the psychological effects of racism among refugees. The purpose of this study is to determine whether CBT has the potential to mitigate the psychological effects of racial discrimination among refugees. Method: A narrative review using a systematic approach to conduct a search in the MEDLINE, PROQUEST, and PSYCHINFO databases. In total, 18 studies were critically reviewed. Findings: The findings' themes emphasize the characteristics of the ideal intervention to mitigate the mental health consequences of discrimination among refugees: multi-layered, transdiagnostic, culturally and ethnically sensitive, school-based, skill-based, and goal-oriented. Conclusion: CBT principles modified to address the positionality (social, historical, and cultural context of refugees) would produce similar results to CBT for mental health disorders caused by pre-migration trauma. Future research is needed to empirically prove CBT as the intervention of choice for reducing the mental health consequences of racism among refugees.
COPING MECHANISMS AND THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES ON INTERNATIONAL POST-GRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE UK: A CASE STUDY OF QUEEN MARGARET UNIVERSITY MUSSELBURGH, SCOTLAND
(2024-08-26) Unknown author
Background We know that mental health poses a great challenge globally because it has been widely proven in literature that there is a burden of mental health issues, including depression among international postgraduate students due to several factors (Evans et al., 2018). The stressors of this burden range from socio-economic factors to others such as academic and personal well- being (Hosseinpur et al., 2023). Aims Based on this evidence, this research engaged international postgraduate students (IPS) in Queen Margaret University (QMU) Musselburgh, Scotland United Kingdom (UK) to: i. Identify the ways through which mental health (MHC) including depression influences their academic performance; ii. Its impact on their well-being and social interactions and iii. To explore the various coping mechanisms that they deploy to handle these challenges (for this study, the acronyms IPS, MHC, QMU and UK will be frequently used). . Methods A qualitative driven methodological approach through purposive sampling, using descriptive online survey with sixty-two respondents and four participants in a semi-structured interview was employed to conduct this study. Descriptive statistics of percentages were used to analyse the data on the JISC Online Survey platform. Results Most IPS experienced MHC after they began their postgraduate studies at QMU, and the most experienced MHC was stress. This arose out of the pressures of finding a balance between the academic workload, finding accommodation, financial security and the demands of adapting to and settling down in a new/ foreign environment far away from friends and family while balancing their well-being and social interactions. Self-help and family support was the most engaged coping mechanism by IPS and most of these postgraduate students also employ more than one coping mechanism to manage their MHC. Conclusion improving inclusive measures of ongoing guidance and support from the QMU authorities both within and outside the school vicinity for these set of students. An adjustment by the UK government in the policies guiding the regulations around IPS dependants and work permits should also be considered for easier and faster acclimatization. Further studies on IPS in the master's degree certificate category in smaller universities should be researched to help give a better understanding of how these set of students cope with MHC in their own contexts.
A critical analysis of mental health services and ‘care’ provision among the women and adolescent refugees in Palestine.
(2024-08-26) Unknown author
A broad range of discussion is going around the globe in relation to Israeli-Palestine conflict, which is still going on. But in each discussion, we are vaguely looking into the life of the displaced Palestinians. Women and children are considered as the most vulnerable population even though there are a lot of law implemented and proposed to protect them; it often ends up making more damages than reconstructing. Here in this postgraduate research study, we are looking into the spectrum of service provision and mental health services provided among the women and adolescents in Palestine. We are also looking into the ways in which mental health and psychosocial supports help, protect and guide them; where it needed to be changed for the betterment of the community through peer reviewed research papers from databases such as PubMed, EBSCO, UN agencies and books published in relation to the topic. Here in this research, the researcher looks at the service providers, provision and how it is helping the population to overcome the constant traumatic experience they are facing in their daily life and the concept that gives them hope to move forward.
Displacement: A focus on the mental state of women in Internally Displaced People’s camp Enugu state, Nigeria
(2023-02-13) Unknown author
The mental state of women has been a problem in Nigerian IDP camps due to the camp settings and trauma induced by displacement. The camp in Enugu has poor building infrastructure, insecurity, unavailability of necessities, and poor medical management. These complications influence their psychological well being negatively making recuperation difficult. This leads to an increased decline in their mental state. This dissertation was undertaken as a desk study to examine the mental state of women living in the Enugu IDP camp, monitor health services given to them, hygiene set up at the camp together with the design elements of the IDP camp to determine whether they offer women in the camp standard psychological and social services. Reviewed literature on the mental health of women living in the IDP camp were collected from Research Gate, Science Direct, and Relief Web. Grey literature gathered from organizations such as WHO, UNHCR, and OCHA were also analysed. Conclusions from the researched materials indicate that women living in the Enugu IDP camp need assistance when it comes to health service delivery, sexual and reproductive services, food, sanitation provisions, finances, and protection from gender-based violence and violations of their rights. Further, these women need sustainable long-term support, and their mental state challenges must be addressed for proper recovery, emotional sanity, and merging into the society again.
Effect of Childs’ disability on mothers’ mental health in Lagos state, Nigeria
(2024-02-12) Unknown author
Background Caring for a child with a disability can be overwhelming due to the societal barriers people with disability face which makes them depend on people for daily survival, especially family members leading to increased child caregiving. In Nigeria, most parents, especially mothers, undergo various traumatic experiences figuring out what society and the future hold for their child with a disability, and this also affects their mental well-being. Methods This mixed-method research made use of primary data which was collected through the survey and interview methods. It was analyzed using descriptive statistics to get the frequency and simple percentage of the respondents’ opinions which was represented with a simple bar chat. While thematic analysis was used for the interview, the results were used to triangulate the survey findings. The analysis of the in-depth information gained in this work was guided by the bio-psychosocial model of health and the social model of disability. Results The research findings revealed that the majority of the mothers are stigmatized by their Childs’ disability which puts them away from social engagements like parties, religious centers, and family functions. The findings further revealed that increased parenting stress, loss of hope and social connectedness, and increased family dysfunction were also the effects of child’s disability on the mother’s mental health. Conclusion The areas of effects identified by the research have shown the areas where progress, practice, and policy are needed to help these mothers achieve positive mental health, and also regular engagement with and support to the mothers will lead to improved health outcomes.
Evaluating Recreational Therapy Programs for Children in Conflict Settings: Best Practices and Adaptation Strategies
(2024-02-26) Unknown author
Recreational therapy has been recognized as a very effective way to support the mental health of children who are the victims of armed conflict. However, there is a lack of robust and culturally sensitive evaluation procedures that can assess the effectiveness and quality of recreational therapy programs in fragile, conflict-affected settings. The purpose of this paper is to define the best practices in program implementation and find innovative approaches to evaluation by conducting a systematic literature review that was published over the last decade. Some key best practices identified are the provision of age-appropriate play, nature-based activities, skills-building, engaging family and community, culturally sensitive and individualized care, and a multidisciplinary team approach. Exposure to conflict was found to be detrimental to the mental health and development of children. The existing evaluation tools are often limited by their applicability in emergency settings. Combined with participatory and mixed methods approaches, there is a growing interest in a valid and contextualized assessment. The study gives recommendations that are supposed to assist in the development of programs based on evidence, their implementation, and evaluation, the purpose being to increase support for conflict-affected children.
Exploring Factors Facilitating Resilience Amongst Unaccompanied Displaced Young People in Scotland
(2023-08-07) Unknown author
Background: Refugee crisis is very prominent across the world. Many of the refugees are children, and many of them have lost their parents. Mental health difficulties and journey towards resilience of unaccompanied displaced young people are worth exploring to develop effective interventions for them. Purpose: The aim of this dissertation is to explore factors that contributes to the resilience in unaccompanied displaced young people in Scotland. Specifically, this study aims to explore the elements of environment, actions and interventions from the professionals, and coping strategies foster resilience and which factors create barriers in its development. Methods: Qualitative research methodology was used in this study. Thirteen participants working with unaccompanied displaced young people were interviewed. The data was thematically analyzed based on the categories mentioned in the conceptual framework. Findings: Several themes and sub-themes emerged from the analysis. Under the concept of adversity, themes of loss and bereavement, dangerous journey, external trauma came out. Practical problems (practical needs, access to decent accommodation, navigation) and psychological problems (sleep problems, trauma symptoms, homesickness, fear and anxiety, sadness, frustration and confusion, bedwetting) evolved under the concept of problems and symptoms. Themes of agency, control and choice, safety, and trust emerged under environment. The concept of action and interventions has themes of events and celebration, re-building self-esteem, clarity and consistency, professional boundaries, my city and tree of life emerged through analysis. The themes under concept of coping resources were, bonds and bridge, faith, learning and growing, and balancing traditions. The barriers to resilience were oppressive systems, life on hold, language barriers, poverty, media, unhealthy coping mechanism and lack of specialized mental health support. Conclusion: More research on resilience of unaccompanied displaced children is recommended for designing comprehensive trauma- and resilience-focused intervention for them.
EXPLORING THE EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF DELAYED JUSTICE DELIVERY ON LAWYERS AND LITIGANTS IN THE NIGERIAN JUDICIAL SYSTEM
(2024-02-12) Unknown author
Background: In Nigeria, individuals navigating the legal system often endure an average waiting period of 22 years for case resolution, far exceeding Western standards. These prolonged delays inflict significant economic, relational, health, and psychological burdens on litigants and lawyers, deteriorating their quality of life. However, scant evidence exists documenting these impacts, hindering efforts to enhance support for justice system participants. This study aims to extract themes from existing literature regarding the mental health repercussions of delayed justice and assess the influence of financial pressures and coping mechanisms on stressors. Method: A desk study was conducted, primarily through a Literature Review incorporating 22 studies sourced from Google Scholar and Scopus databases. Various literature sources were examined to establish a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Results: Findings reveal that delayed justice delivery profoundly affects the mental health and psychological well-being of legal practitioners and litigants, particularly exacerbating severe anxiety. The high financial costs associated with prolonged legal processes directly contribute to heightened stress levels among litigants. Coping strategies employed by lawyers and litigants vary, ranging from seeking social support to engaging in self-care practices. Conclusion: Urgent attention is required for further research to comprehensively explore the multifaceted impacts of delayed justice delivery. Practitioners and policymakers must prioritize mental health interventions within the Nigerian legal system and enact supportive policies to alleviate the adverse effects of protracted legal proceedings. Additionally, future research efforts should encompass primary data collection to provide firsthand insights into the experiences of those affected by delayed justice delivery.
EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF ADOLESCENTS LIVING IN DISPLACED PERSON CAMPS IN NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA
(2023-08-07) Unknown author
Background: ongoing violence in the north eastern part of Nigeria has led to a huge number of displaced persons living in various IDP camps all over the northeast and north- central Nigeria. Among those displaced and living in camps are also young people who are exposed to daily stressors in the camps as well as previous trauma experienced before getting to camps. These stressors can predispose these young minds to experimenting with drugs and substances which may affect their mental health. The purpose of the study was to better understand the impact of substance abuse on the mental health of adolescents living in IDP camps. Method: A qualitative study was conducted by interviewing healthcare workers who provide care for adolescents who abuse drugs, a total of eight interviews were conducted Findings: The study findings highlighted the common substances abused are cannabis, tramadol, and cough syrup, other nonconventional inhalants such as glue and sewer sniffing were also commonly abused, with the frequency of use ranging from daily to weekly depending on availability. Services provided commonly was counselling and patients were referred out for rehabilitation. Conclusion: Addressing the problem of substance abuse among displaced persons is very challenging and requires a multifaceted approach and evidence-based strategy that comprises supply control, public campaign, and awareness creation as well as implementation of government policies aimed at service provision and tackling drug peddling.
EXPLORING THE INTERPLAY OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS AND SUICIDAL INTENTIONS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS (AGED 18–26) IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
(2024-03-08) Unknown author
The rising prevalence of mental health disorders and suicides among the youth population in the United Kingdom is a serious public health concern. This dissertation offers a thorough analysis of the intricate connection and relationship between mental health disorders and suicidal intentions among young adults (18–26 years old) in the United Kingdom. The study synthesises previous research to offer insights into the prevalence of mental health disorders, suicide rates, and their relationship through the use of a narrative literary technique. The findings show that young people in the United Kingdom have concerningly high rates of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal intentions. Furthermore, strong correlations have been shown between mental health conditions and the likelihood of suicide, with behavioural characteristics and socioeconomic variables playing critical and critical roles. The discussion emphasises how critical it is to take proactive steps to address mental health disorders and stop young adults in the United Kingdom from killing themselves. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive mental health education, increasing accessibility to support services, and fostering supportive environments in educational and occupational settings. Governments, healthcare providers, and communities working together across sectors and prioritising youths’ mental health greatly can protect young people's well-being in the United Kingdom. To promote mental health and deter suicide behaviour in this vulnerable population, focused interventions and policies are developed with the help of this research, which offers insightful information.
EXPLORING THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS OF PAID CAREGIVERS IN SCOTLAND
(2024-02-12) Unknown author
Aim: The current research aims to identify the physical and mental health concerns of paid caregivers in Edinburgh, Scotland. In addition, the research would also try to understand the influence of the health concerns of the caregivers on the quality of care. Literature review: The paid caregivers are responsible for providing the necessary care and helping the care recipients in their daily activities. Sometimes due to increasing responsibilities the caregivers often face mental and physical health issues. The mental health issues are related to increasing stress and depression. The physical health concern is observed by lack of sleep or other clinical diseases. The mental health concern of the caregivers impacts the quality of the care as well as the life of the caregivers. Methodology: The methodology for the research has followed a qualitative approach. the data was collected through the primary data collection. The research has included nine participants who are paid caregivers. The nine paid caregivers were selected from one of the nursing homes in Edinburgh. The interviews were conducted in participants' comfort places such as gardens, and café. The thematic analysis has been performed. Findings: It has been found that the paid caregiver's mental health concerns affect the quality of care they are providing, the impact of the health care burden, and the paid caregivers often take short breaks from their responsibilities. Also, as a physical concern, they face sleep deprivation. In addition, they prefer to have organizational management support that would help them reduce the impact of their health concerns.
Exploring the Relationship between Disparities in Intra-household Resources Allocation during Childhood and Mental Health Outcomes in Adulthood
(2024-02-19) Unknown author
Background: This systematic literature review aims to examine the complex interplay between childhood intra-household resource allocation and their impact on mental health outcomes in adulthood. A comprehensive analysis was conducted by including 12 relevant studies, employing a methodology rooted in a systematic literature review and thematic narrative synthesis. Methodology: A systematic search of literature databases was undertaken to identify studies exploring the nexus of childhood resource disparities and adult mental health outcomes. Twelve studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for in-depth analysis. The thematic narrative synthesis method was employed to synthesize key findings and identify overarching themes across the selected studies. Results: The synthesis revealed five principal themes, aligning with the study objectives, these include intra-household resource allocation and gender disparities; parental income and mental health outcomes; educational and cognitive impact of resource allocation, long-term effects of childhood circumstances, factors influencing mental health in adulthood. Conclusion and Recommendations: This study recognizing the importance of addressing gender-based resource allocation, enhancing parental income, and promoting equitable educational opportunities, interventions and policies should be tailored to mitigate the long-term effects of childhood circumstances on mental health. Furthermore, acknowledging the diverse array of factors influencing mental health in adulthood, strategies should adopt a comprehensive approach, encompassing social support, economic stability, and mental health awareness. This study contributes valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners aiming to develop comprehensive interventions that foster optimal mental health across the lifespan.
How can Effective Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Interventions Resonate with Earthquake-Affected Children's Realities in Post-2023 Turkey?
(2024-02-26) Unknown author
This dissertation explores the effectiveness of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) interventions for children post-earthquake in middle-income countries, focusing on those affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquake in Turkey. It highlights the urgent need for tailored interventions as around 6.2 million children in Turkey face daily stressors, disrupted schooling, and security challenges post-disaster. Conducting a desk study, includ-ing a narrative literature review using databases like MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsychINFO, the research critically analyzes 20 studies and grey literature reports through thematic analy-sis. Gender dynamics and disability barriers are addressed, resulting in positive outcomes for marginalized groups. Interventions targeting daily stressors demonstrate significant improve-ments in mental health outcomes. Tailored interventions with community engagement, cul-tural sensitivity, and a focus on self and collective efficacy show notable enhancements in the mental well-being of earthquake-affected children in Turkey. The dissertation concludes by emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing flexible, culturally sensitive, and community-driven MHPSS interventions to foster lasting psychosocial well-being and resilience among earthquake-affected children. It recommends bridging the gap between theoretical frame-works and practical implementation, stressing adherence to guidelines and principles to en-sure genuine effectiveness and meet the diverse needs of the affected population.
How Does Socio-Economic Status Impact Postpartum Depression Across Different Cultures?
(2023-08-07) Unknown author
This desk study involved a narrative review of academic literature pertaining to postpartum depression (PPD) and Socio-economic status (SES) in HIC and LMIC countries. A systematic approach was taken to select and analyse the 20 studies included in this study. The evidence indicates that certain factors related to socio-economic status were predictors of higher prevalence and greater severity of PPD. Low income (and related variables such as unemployment and low economic status) was found to the most widely documented factor increasing prevalence and severity of PPD in diverse contexts, followed by low education, being unmarried and strained relationships with one’s partner, family or in-laws. Support resources such as having a supportive partner were found to buffer the onset and severity of PPD, while certain factors related to culture were found to heighten vulnerability to developing PPD and to prolonged depression that may become life threatening for mother and child. These factors related to culture- such as traditional postnatal practices relating to forced confinement, relational systems (relationships with in-laws) and gender norms need to be better within the maternal child healthcare sector in order to improve rapid diagnosis and support for mothers from varying cultural backgrounds. This is particularly relevant in the UK where pregnant women and new mothers from diverse, non-English speaking backgrounds face significant barriers to accessing information on PPD and support services, and where the role of culture in influencing PPD prevalence and well-being outcomes is poorly understood in the healthcare system.
“I don’t think people would know how to reach out”: Receiving communities’ understandings of refugee integration and the consequences for the integration processes and the psychosocial wellbeing of communities in County Durham, England.
(2022)
Background: Despite prevailing UK integration policy proclaiming that integration consists of diverse, multi directional processes that involve changes to both refugee and receiving communities (Home Office, 2019), there has been disproportionate focus on the integration experiences of refugees. The lack of research inquiry into receiving communities not only threatens placing the responsibility of integration onto refugee populations, but further undermines notions underpinning policy, such as that integration is contingent on ‘two-way’ approach, involving reciprocal interactions between both communities. Moreover, excluding local communities from integration processes can have significant implications for threatening the psychosocial wellbeing of both refugee and receiving communities, through exacerbating inter-groups tensions and undermining community efficacy. As such, to address this gap, the present study analyses personal insights, perceptions, and understandings of refugee integration processes at local level from receiving communities in the North-East of England. Methods: Employing a phenomenological approach, a small-scale qualitative study was conducted. This involved obtaining 15 semi-structured interviews from local community members who have lived in County Durham, England, for at least 2 years. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of integration at local level, 5 key informant interviews were also conducted with service providers working to support refugees across the region. Results: 3 higher order themes, and 1 sub-theme emerged from the analysis of the data. These included, ‘Refugee integration and social relations at local level,’ ‘Disenfranchisement of local communities,’ and the ‘Significance of cultural identity and heritage.’ The sub-theme identified was ‘Social media and integration – promising or dangerous development?’ Specifically, a disconnect between refugee services, refugees, and local communities was reported by participants, suggesting that there was inadequate operationalisation of the ‘two-way’ approach in practice. Indeed, this was further understood to undermine the psychosocial wellbeing of both refugee and receiving communities. Conclusions: The 20 participants in the present study revealed a significant disconnect between refugee services, refugee populations, and local community members in County Durham. This was perceived as 7 inconducive to psychosocial wellbeing, and indeed was understood as a barrier integration. To progress in facilitating integration of refugees, recognising local communities as active partners within integration processes is essential.
The Impact of Conflict and Displacement in Relation to the Mental Health of Children Affected by Humanitarian Crises in northeast Nigeria – a Narrative Review
(2023-08-07) Unknown author
The Boko Haram insurgency in northeastern Nigeria has destroyed and disrupted the lives of hundreds of thousands of children over the past two decades. The exposure to combat and long-term displacement has resulted in many negative physical and emotional impacts, including poor mental health. Despite multi-million dollar investments in interventions to support the children, many displaced children and adolescents are still struggling with mental health disorders and poor well-being. This narrative literature review examined how the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) sector responded to the children’s mental health and psychosocial needs, in order to identify interventions or factors that most effectively improved the perceived well-being of affected children and youth. The overall aim was to provide guidance to inform future interventions. This review used systematic steps to select and analyse twenty-one (21) pieces of grey and academic literature. Findings revealed that community-based, family-focused and school-based interventions proved effective in various conflict situations and worked best as a social support to stabilise the children emotionally and lessen the impact of circumstances surrounding the stressors of the conflict and displacement. The study also confirmed research that states that negative displacement experiences – such as being unable to attend school - and factors such as being separated from parents, can be main contributors to distress and mental health decline, sometimes even more than prior trauma experienced in war. Further studies on effective coping mechanisms among children and the potential influence of parental cultural attitudes toward mental health on child well- being are recommended.
IMPACTS OF HOUSING CRISES ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS IN EDINBURGH
(2024-02-12) Unknown author
Housing as a basic need has been acknowledged as a determinant of various health problems including mental health, when it is inadequate. Considering the demanding nature of advance studies on the postgraduate students, adding housing crisis could be impactful on their mental wellbeing with associated academic challenges. Therefore, this study explored the lived experiences of the postgraduate students facing housing crisis in Edinburgh and the impacts of such experience on their mental health. The influence of the experiences on the academic performance and the expected supports to alleviate the challenges were also identified by the study. This mixed-methods study was conducted among the postgraduate students of Institutes of Global Health and Development at Queen Margaret University using an online survey and focus group discussions for data collection. The survey analysis was descriptive quantitative while reflexive thematic qualitative analysis was used for the data collected from the focus group discussions. Constructivist epistemological position was maintained under the relativist ontological perspective in the course of the study. The majority of the participants with housing crisis were females, international students and with either partner or family. Six themes emerged from the qualitative data set which are unaffordability, instability, support system, discrimination, background drivers, and expectations. This study recommended increased awareness for the student support service and amendment to the university accommodation and general rental policies, to accommodate the diversity in the postgraduate students’ characteristics.