Mental health outcomes among Arab refugees, immigrants, and U.S. born Arab Americans in Southeast Michigan: a cross-sectional study

This article discusses the mental health state of Arab immigrants, refugees, and U.S. born Arab Americans. Arab refugees and immigrants that are living in the United States may be exposed to political, economic, social, and environmental stressors that could very much affect their mental health. Researchers wanted to conduct research on this topic due to the lack of information on the mental health of Arab immigrants, refugees, and U.S. born Arab American. This study was conducted in Southeast Michigan and the purpose is to measure depression and anxiety levels. They also wanted to know if depression differed between the three resident status (immigrant, refugee, U.S. born).

The researchers were able to conduct a cross-sectional study in which they sampled 275 adults who identify as Arabs that are living in Southeast Michigan. They were able to collect data by administrating questionaries from August to November 2015. The questionnaire that was distributed had a series of questions that helped the researchers determine if any of the Arab participants had depression or anxiety.

Based on their research, all three groups (immigrants, refugees, and U.S. born) displayed high levels of depression and anxiety. Refugees ended up having higher levels of depression and anxiety than immigrants and U.S. born Arab. Refugees reported higher levels of depression and anxiety because of their situation. They were forced to leave their homes unexpectedly and to go to a completely different country, where they are not fully accepted as first-class citizens there. Not only does this make complete sense but the results for refugees were expected to be higher than the other two groups.

Pampati, Sanjana, et al. “Mental Health Outcomes among Arab Refugees, Immigrants, and US Born Arab Americans in Southeast Michigan: A Cross-Sectional Study.” BMC Psychiatry, vol. 18, Dec. 2018. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2018-62858-001&site=eds-live&scope=site.