Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multilevel Intervention to Address Social Determinants of Refugee Mental Health

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Abstract

Understanding processes that support the well-being of the unprecedented numbers of forcibly displaced people throughout the world is essential. Growing evidence documents post-migration stressors related to marginalization as key social determinants of refugee mental health. The goal of this RCT was to rigorously test a social justice approach to reducing high rates of distress among refugees in the United States. The 6-month multilevel, strengths-based Refugee Well-being Project (RWP) intervention brought together university students enrolled in a 2-semester course and recently resettled refugees to engage in mutual learning and collaborative efforts to mobilize community resources and improve community and systems responsiveness to refugees. Results provide evidence to support social justice approaches to improving refugee mental health. Findings have implications for refugees worldwide, and for other immigrant and marginalized populations who experience inequities in resources and disproportionate exposure to trauma/stress.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What is the evidence for strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches?

Two impact and three suggestive studies indicate positive outcomes from strengths-based approaches. Five studies were identified that have examined the outcomes of strengths-based approaches with refugee clients. These studies have addressed diverse outcomes including health, mental health, social support, English proficiency, and cultural and community connections. Strengths-based approaches can take many forms and have shown…

About this study

AGE: Adults

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Free

HOST COUNTRY: United States

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High

INTERVENTION DURATION: 6 months

INTERVENTION: Strengths-Based Approaches

OUTCOME AREA: Mental Health

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Moderate

TYPE OF STUDY: Impact evaluation

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2020

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