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1.
BMC Public Health ; 24(1): 2487, 2024 Sep 12.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39267001

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Refugee minors are considered particularly vulnerable to negative health consequences from war, flight and resettlement. Offering health assessments after arrival in a host country could uncover unmet health needs and provide access to treatment. In Norway, a national guide describes these assessments, but little is known about its implementation especially for refugee minors. Thus, the aim of this study was first to explore how health assessments of refugee minors are carried out, second how health professionals perceive the needs of refugee minors and third, the competencies they perceive as necessary to meet the needs of refugee minors. METHOD: A modified Delphi study in three rounds was conducted using online surveys and one focus group to collect data on the needs and resources of refugee minors, essential factors for a good and health assessment practice. Participants were 54 health professionals responsible for early health assessments of refugee minors, throughout the Norwegian municipalities, working in primary care settings. Quantitative data was analysed descriptively, and qualitative data with content analysis. RESULTS: Health assessments of refugee minors were predominantly conducted by public health nurses, but the organisational structures surrounding assessments varied greatly according to the size of the municipalities and to how much resources were allocated. The feeling of safety was found to be paramount to ensure a good start in a new country for refugee minors. The top four competences professionals should have, were 'general communication skills', a 'health professional background', 'expertise in children's health' and 'knowledge about the national guide'. To ensure good health services for refugee minors, improved, more comprehensive, and mandatory directives for children and young individuals was highlighted. CONCLUSION: Although most refugee minors were invited and attend health assessments, one third of participating municipalities did not offer health assessments to all newcomers and the organisation and content of the assessments were diverse. Several topics, especially mental health, were postponed or not routinely addressed, contrasting with current knowledge of unmet health needs for this group. Missing documentation, practical barriers and providing general health information took time away from doing the actual assessments. The perceived needs of refugee minors were safety and stability, combined with meaningful activities, thus a coordinated effort from several services is necessary. Suggestions for improvements were more time given to assessments, better organisation and co-operation, improved competence and guidelines adjusted for age.


Asunto(s)
Técnica Delphi , Grupos Focales , Menores , Atención Primaria de Salud , Refugiados , Humanos , Refugiados/psicología , Noruega , Atención Primaria de Salud/normas , Menores/psicología , Femenino , Masculino , Adolescente , Niño , Personal de Salud/psicología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Evaluación de Necesidades
2.
BMC Psychiatry ; 24(1): 549, 2024 Aug 07.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39112937

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric emergency assessment of minors can be a complex process, especially for professional staff who are not specifically trained in handling child and adolescent emergency patients. As minors cannot usually express their feelings and experiences as well as adults, it is difficult to form an accurate picture of their condition and to determine what kind of emergency care is needed, for instance whether or not a psychiatric emergency admission is necessary. We lack insight in what professionals at emergency departments need to adequately assess these minors and their families. The aim of this study was to explore staff members' experiences with assessing minors and explore recommendations for improving their ability to provide appropriate support. METHODS: Guided by a topic list with open-ended questions, we conducted 11 semi-structured interviews with staff working at psychiatric emergency services. Thematic analysis enabled us to identify five main themes: (1) young age and the crucial role of parents; (2) professionals' feelings, especially uncertainty; (3) psychiatric emergency admissions and the alternatives to them; (4) regional differences in organization and tasks; and (5) options for improving care. RESULTS: The staff interviewed all agreed that it was often complicated and time consuming to take full responsibility when assessing minors with serious and urgent psychiatric problems. Most found it difficult to determine which behaviors were and were not age-appropriate, and how to handle systemic problems during the assessment. When assessing minors and their families in crisis, this led to uncertainty. Professionals were especially insecure when assessing children under age 12 and their families, feeling they lacked the appropriate knowledge and routine. CONCLUSION: Customized expertise development and improved regional embedding of the psychiatric emergency service in the child and adolescent services will reduce professionals' uncertainty and improve psychiatric emergency care for minors.


Asunto(s)
Servicios de Urgencia Psiquiátrica , Investigación Cualitativa , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adolescente , Niño , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Menores/psicología , Derivación y Consulta , Adulto , Trastornos Mentales/terapia , Trastornos Mentales/psicología , Padres/psicología , Personal de Salud/psicología
3.
Int J Public Health ; 69: 1606625, 2024.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38988503

RESUMEN

Objectives: This systematised review aimed to examine European literature reporting data about adaptative skills and global external functioning of unaccompanied minors (UAMs). Methods: We conducted a systematised screening of four databases (APA PsycINFO Ovid, Medline Ovid ALL, Embase.com and Web Of Science Core Collection) using a research strategy including social, scholarly and behavioural abilities as well as externalising problems associated with the target population of UAMs. Thirty articles were included using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Our review showed that despite high levels of internalising disorders, socio-behavioural and educational adjustment of UAMs remained positive. It demonstrated how this population displays a strong desire for academic success and prosocial behaviours instead of aggressivity in everyday life. Nevertheless, our review drew attention to the strong tendency of UAMs to internalise their disorders and display chronic distress and problematic behaviours which increased with time spent in the host country. Conclusion: Our study draws attention to the risk of underestimating the real mental health needs of refugees, due to preserved external functioning combined with significant settlement pressures.


Asunto(s)
Menores , Humanos , Europa (Continente) , Adolescente , Menores/psicología , Refugiados/psicología , Niño , Adaptación Psicológica , Migrantes/psicología , Masculino , Femenino
4.
Riv Psichiatr ; 59(3): 87-99, 2024.
Artículo en Italiano | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38912756

RESUMEN

AIM: The Standards of Care (SOC-8) by the World Professional Association for Trans Health provide guidelines for the care of transgender and gender diverse individuals through safe and effective multi-professional interventions for physical and mental well-being. The aim of this work is to summarize the SOC-8 recommendations for childhood and adolescence, highlighting the importance of psychosocial assessment and available medical and surgical therapeutic options, and emphasizing the need for healthcare provider training. METHODS: The SOC-8 recommendations are based on scientific evidence and professional consensus from experts in transgender health, developing classification criteria and access to therapies, based on systematic literature reviews (PubMed and Embase). RESULTS: The SOC-8 underscores the importance of assessing and preserving gender identity, supporting prepubescent individuals from a psychosocial perspective, and ensuring adolescents access to medically and surgically conforming treatments according to local legislation. It is the responsibility of healthcare providers to understand and adapt international guidelines for an inclusive clinical practice of gender diversity. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Gender affirmation therapies in minors require comprehensive evaluation, parental involvement, and consideration of their cognitive and emotional maturity. Treatments should also focus on preserving fertility and accessing medicalized treatments which are beneficial to the well-being of transgender and gender diverse individuals.


Asunto(s)
Salud Mental , Personas Transgénero , Humanos , Personas Transgénero/psicología , Adolescente , Masculino , Femenino , Niño , Menores/psicología , Identidad de Género , Accesibilidad a los Servicios de Salud , Nivel de Atención , Procedimientos de Reasignación de Sexo
5.
J Sex Marital Ther ; 50(6): 773-786, 2024.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38856025

RESUMEN

The rising incidence of trans youth throughout the world and the new policy of many European countries and 25 US states that psychotherapy should be the first therapeutic response to Gender Dysphoria have made a reexamination of a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation (CPE) urgently relevant. Two conflicting views of the purpose of the CPE exist based on etiologic beliefs and convictions about the best therapeutic approach. This paper provides one clinician's synthesis of the elements, processes, goals, values, benchmarks of CPE and its usual recommendation for psychotherapy. The CPE recommended herein provides cogent hypotheses about the origins of the intrapsychic creation of a trans identity that are to be strengthened, weakened, or supplanted by explanations that emerge from psychotherapy. It also strengthens familial bonds and clarifies the intention to improve the mental health, social function, and autonomy of the minor. The inescapable ethical tensions that surround trans minor health care are discussed. The recommended CPE does not prevent subsequent medical interventions.


Asunto(s)
Disforia de Género , Humanos , Disforia de Género/psicología , Disforia de Género/terapia , Femenino , Masculino , Adolescente , Menores/psicología , Psicoterapia/métodos , Personas Transgénero/psicología , Identidad de Género
6.
Health Expect ; 27(4): e14128, 2024 08.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38943541

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprises a group of rare types of genodermatoses characterized by extreme mucocutaneous fragility, leading to blistering and/or erosions, even with minimal trauma. Continuous care through wound management is an integral part of daily life for the families and individuals affected. The aim of this study was to assess the social reality and impacts on families of having minor members diagnosed with EB in Spain. METHODS: A qualitative methodology was employed, utilizing four focus groups entailing participation by 24 parents (19 mothers and five fathers) of minors diagnosed with EB in Spain. RESULTS: Negative impacts on the family nucleus were evident in four priority areas of analysis: sociorelational, economic-labour, physical and psychoemotional, with significant differences observed based on the severity of the symptoms. CONCLUSION: Impacts on the family nucleus are noticeable from birth, influencing all other daily life routines and complicating family planning and organization. There is an imperative need to enhance the availability of sociohealth resources and to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to address their biopsychosocial needs. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The active participation of relatives of minors diagnosed with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is invaluable to sociohealth professionals, legislators and researchers. A team member conducts their professional activities at DEBRA España (national patient association dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with EB and their families), actively engaging in all study phases.


Asunto(s)
Epidermólisis Ampollosa , Grupos Focales , Investigación Cualitativa , Humanos , España , Epidermólisis Ampollosa/psicología , Epidermólisis Ampollosa/terapia , Femenino , Masculino , Niño , Adolescente , Adulto , Menores/psicología , Calidad de Vida , Preescolar , Familia/psicología , Factores Socioeconómicos
7.
J Youth Adolesc ; 53(10): 2202-2218, 2024 Oct.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38782845

RESUMEN

Although smartphone ownership among minors has become an important social phenomenon, its impact on children's and adolescents' well-being, as well as the mechanisms by which this might take place are not yet sufficiently well-established. To date, no research has examined the effect of smartphone ownership on the well-being of minors through the consumption of influencer-generated content, nor has it explored the effectiveness of the main prevention strategies employed by parents in this context. To fill those gaps, 800 Spanish minors (50% female) aged from 8 to 16 years old (M = 12.33, SD = 2.38) participated in a correlational study in which the ownership of electronic devices, the consumption of influencer generated content, the parasocial relationship with the influencer, and the most common parental mediation strategies were considered. The results showed a positive association between electronic device ownership and psychological discomfort, problematic usage, and imitation of dangerous behaviors. This association was mediated by the consumption of influencer-generated content and the parasocial relationship established by the minor with the influencer. Regarding preventive strategies, only active mediation was inversely related to poorer well-being indicators, however this positive effect significantly decreased when a smartphone or a similar electronic device was owned by the minor (vs. no owned). These findings contribute to the understanding of how smartphone ownership can affect the well-being of children, emphasizing the need for thoughtful consideration when deciding whether to provide smartphones to minors.


Asunto(s)
Relaciones Padres-Hijo , Responsabilidad Parental , Teléfono Inteligente , Medios de Comunicación Sociales , Humanos , Adolescente , Femenino , Niño , Masculino , Medios de Comunicación Sociales/estadística & datos numéricos , Responsabilidad Parental/psicología , España , Propiedad , Conducta del Adolescente/psicología , Menores/psicología
8.
Z Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother ; 52(5): 261-289, 2024 Sep.
Artículo en Alemán | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38809160

RESUMEN

Ethical Considerations of Including Minors in Clinical Trials Using the Example of the Indicated Prevention of Psychotic Disorders Abstract: As a vulnerable group, minors require special protection in studies. For this reason, researchers are often reluctant to initiate studies, and ethics committees are reluctant to authorize such studies. This often excludes minors from participating in clinical studies. This exclusion can lead to researchers and clinicians receiving only incomplete data or having to rely on adult-based findings in the treatment of minors. Using the example of the study "Computer-Assisted Risk Evaluation in the Early Detection of Psychotic Disorders" (CARE), which was conducted as an 'other clinical investigation' according to the Medical Device Regulation, we present a line of argumentation for the inclusion of minors which weighs the ethical principles of nonmaleficence (especially regarding possible stigmatization), beneficence, autonomy, and fairness. We show the necessity of including minors based on the development-specific differences in diagnostics and early intervention. Further, we present specific protective measures. This argumentation can also be transferred to other disorders with the onset in childhood and adolescence and thus help to avoid excluding minors from appropriate evidence-based care because of insufficient studies.


Asunto(s)
Ensayos Clínicos como Asunto , Trastornos Psicóticos , Humanos , Trastornos Psicóticos/diagnóstico , Trastornos Psicóticos/psicología , Trastornos Psicóticos/prevención & control , Niño , Adolescente , Ensayos Clínicos como Asunto/ética , Menores/psicología , Alemania , Autonomía Personal , Selección de Paciente/ética , Diagnóstico Precoz , Poblaciones Vulnerables/psicología , Estigma Social , Medición de Riesgo
9.
Cuad Bioet ; 35(113): 27-40, 2024.
Artículo en Español | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38734921

RESUMEN

The consumption of pornography over the Internet by minors has been increasing exponentially in recent years. The use of digital technologies and the ease of access to these contents are causes that explain this event. Simultaneously, there is concern about the increase in sexual violence, associated with discriminatory behavior, despite the efforts of laws and programs that promote sexual reproductive health (SRH) and the principle of equality. From a bioethical point of view, it is urgent to address this issue, which affects the physical and psychological health of minors and their affective-sexual education. The study addresses whether it is possible to relate the consumption of online pornography by minors and sexual violence. To do this, legal sources, reports from associations, audiovisual councils and scientific studies are consulted. In all of them, the relationship between the consumption of online pornography by adolescents and risky behavior in emotional-sexual matters and gender inequality is evident. In the legal and fiscal sphere, it is alerted to the damage that is occurring and points out the need to propose lines of action that reverse this situation. We propose measures to technically regulate access to content. These measures are based on the precautionary principle, a tool that has been applied in fields such as health and the environment. More studies and political actions are needed to make the Internet a safe place for minors.


Asunto(s)
Literatura Erótica , Internet , Literatura Erótica/legislación & jurisprudencia , Literatura Erótica/psicología , Humanos , Adolescente , Menores/legislación & jurisprudencia , Menores/psicología , Femenino , Masculino , Niño , Delitos Sexuales/legislación & jurisprudencia , Delitos Sexuales/psicología
10.
Eur J Pediatr ; 183(7): 2871-2880, 2024 Jul.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38589580

RESUMEN

To explore the needs, expectations, and experiences of asylum-seeking parents and unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 years on the initial health assessment for children and adolescents and access to care upon entry in the Netherlands, We conducted five semi-structured focus group discussions with asylum-seeking parents and unaccompanied minors, from Syria, Eritrea, Afghanistan, and other Middle-East and African countries, supported by professional interpreters. To triangulate findings, semi-structured interviews with health care professionals involved in care for refugee children were conducted. Transcripts of focus group discussions were inductively and deductively coded and content analyzed; transcripts of interviews were deductively coded and content analyzed. In total, 31 asylum-seeking participants: 23 parents of 101 children (between 0 and 18 years old), 8 unaccompanied minors (between 15 and 17 years), and 6 healthcare professionals participated. Parents and minors expressed that upon entry, their needs were met for vaccinations, but not for screening or care for physical and mental health problems. Parents, minors, and health professionals emphasized the necessity of appropriate information and education about health, diseases, and the health system. Cultural change was mentioned as stressful for the parent-child interaction and parental well-being.     Conclusion: The perspectives of refugee parents and unaccompanied minors revealed opportunities to improve the experience of and access to health care of refugees entering the Netherlands, especially risk-specific screening and more adequate education about health, diseases, and the Dutch health care system. What is Known: •  Refugees have specific health needs due to pre-flight, flight, and resettlement conditions. Health assessment upon entry was non-obligatory in the Netherlands, except for the tuberculosis screening. Health needs were not always met, and refugees experienced barriers in access to care. What is New: • The initial health assessment met the needs concerning vaccinations but mismatched the needs regarding physical and mental health assessment. Screening for specific risk-related diseases and mental health could enable refugee parents and minors to engage better with the health system.


Asunto(s)
Grupos Focales , Accesibilidad a los Servicios de Salud , Menores , Padres , Refugiados , Humanos , Refugiados/psicología , Adolescente , Femenino , Masculino , Niño , Países Bajos , Padres/psicología , Preescolar , Lactante , Menores/psicología , Adulto , Recién Nacido , Investigación Cualitativa , Necesidades y Demandas de Servicios de Salud , Evaluación de Necesidades , Servicios de Salud del Niño
11.
Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry ; 29(3): 833-849, 2024 Jul.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38520182

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Practitioners who support unaccompanied minors (UAMs) come from different professional backgrounds and often are not appropriately trained to address children's complex mental health needs. This gap informed a training programme across all accommodation centres in Greece. METHODS: The aim of the Train-of-Trainer (ToT) national programme was to upskill trainers from 17 organisations to cascade knowledge. Training was interprofessional, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive. A pilot implementation involved 199 practitioners from all disciplines. A sub-sample of 33 practitioners, nine managers and six trainers shared their experiences in focus group discussions, which were analysed through a thematic framework. RESULTS: Participants found that the programme was useful in generating knowledge relevant to children's needs and their roles, addressing the emotional impact of trauma on staff, sharing learning across professional disciplines and being interactive, but systemic support should be put in place for benefits to be sustained. CONCLUSIONS: Train-of-Trainer is a resource-effective approach to upskill mixed staff groups across many organisations. This should involve caregivers and staff with limited educational opportunities, while accommodating for different professional needs. Training should be integrated to service budgets, specifications and structures.


Staff who support refugee children without parents come from different backgrounds, and often have limited mental health knowledge and skills. To address this gap, a national programme was established for 17 organisations hosting accommodation centres across Greece. Selected professionals were upskilled as trainers to cascade knowledge to their staff group. Training was based on the understanding of the impact of trauma and children's cultural needs and was provided to interdisciplinary staff groups. In total, 199 staff attended pilot training. Experiences of the training were shared by a sub-group of 33 trained staff, nine managers and six trainers through focus group discussions. These were analysed through a qualitative thematic approach. Key findings included the relevance of new knowledge to children's needs and staff roles, training as a team, using learning methods based on real issues, and supports that should be put in place to ensure that benefits are maintained. Such a model of cascading knowledge and skills can be useful for large numbers of organisations and staff supporting refugee and other vulnerable children. Training should include staff such as caregivers, who may have had limited educational opportunities, while balancing between different staff roles. Training should be integral to all functions of accommodation centres.


Asunto(s)
Menores , Humanos , Grecia , Niño , Menores/psicología , Adolescente , Servicios de Salud Mental , Personal de Salud/educación , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto
13.
Artículo en Alemán | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38410090

RESUMEN

Beyond NICE: Updated Systematic Review on the Current Evidence of Using Puberty Blocking Pharmacological Agents and Cross-Sex-Hormones in Minors with Gender Dysphoria Abstract: Objective: The suppression of physiological puberty using puberty-blocking pharmacological agents (PB) and prescribing cross-sex hormones (CSH) to minors with gender dysphoria (GD) is a current matter of discussion, and in some cases, PB and CSH are used in clinical practice for this particular population. Two systematic reviews (one on PB, one on CSH treatment) by the British National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) from 2020 indicated no clear clinical benefit of such treatments regarding critical outcome variables. In particular, these two systematic NICE reviews on the use of PB and CSH in minors with GD detected no clear improvements of GD symptoms. Moreover, the overall scientific quality of the available evidence, as discussed within the above-mentioned two NICE reviews, was classified as "very low certainty" regarding modified GRADE criteria. Method: The present systematic review presents an updated literature search on this particular topic (use of PB and CSH in minors with GD) following NICE principles and PICO criteria for all relevant new original research studies published since the release of the two above-mentioned NICE reviews (updated literature search period was July 2020-August 2023). Results: The newly conducted literature search revealed no newly published original studies targeting NICE-defined critical and important outcomes and the related use of PB in minors with GD following PICO criteria. For CSH treatment, we found two new studies that met PICO criteria, but these particular two studies had low participant numbers, yielded no significant additional clear evidence for specific and clearly beneficial effects of CSH in minors with GD, and could be classified as "low certainty" tfollowing modified GRADE criteria. Conclusions: The currently available studies on the use of PB and CSH in minors with GD have significant conceptual and methodological flaws. The available evidence on the use of PB and CSH in minors with GD is very limited and based on only a few studies with small numbers, and these studies have problematic methodology and quality. There also is a lack of adequate and meaningful long-term studies. Current evidence doesn't suggest that GD symptoms and mental health significantly improve when PB or CSH are used in minors with GD. Psychotherapeutic interventions to address and reduce the experienced burden can become relevant in children and adolescents with GD. If the decision to use PB and/or CSH is made on an individual case-by-case basis and after a complete and thorough mental health assessment, potential treatment of possibly co-occurring mental health problems as well as after a thoroughly conducted and carefully executed individual risk-benefit evaluation, doing so as part of clinical studies or research projects, as currently done in England, can be of value in terms of generation of new research data. The electronic supplement (ESM) 1 is an adapted and abreviated English version of this work.


Asunto(s)
Disforia de Género , Pubertad , Humanos , Disforia de Género/tratamiento farmacológico , Disforia de Género/psicología , Adolescente , Niño , Femenino , Masculino , Pubertad/efectos de los fármacos , Pubertad/psicología , Menores/psicología , Hormonas Esteroides Gonadales/uso terapéutico , Supresión de la Pubertad
14.
Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry ; 33(8): 2813-2822, 2024 Aug.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38285170

RESUMEN

This study aimed to examine protective factors associated with resilience among unaccompanied refugee minors in comparison to their Norwegian peers and to examine associations between resilience factors and characteristics related to positive outcomes among unaccompanied minors. Data stem from the Pathways to Independence study conducted in Bergen municipality, Norway in 2018-2019 where 81 unaccompanied minors aged 15-20 participated (83.3% male; 80% response rate). An age- and sex-matched control group of 324 adolescents was retrieved from the youth@hordaland study conducted in Norway in 2012. Resilience factors were assessed by the Resilience Scale for Adolescents. Unaccompanied minors reported lower scores on Goal Orientation (d = 0.4), Social Competence (d = 0.4), and Social Support (d = 0.7) compared to Norwegian adolescents. Being male was associated with lower scores on Goal Orientation (standardized mean difference [SMD] = - 0.9) and Social Support (SMD = - 0.9) among unaccompanied minors, while being in frequent contact with family in the home country was associated with higher scores on all resilience factors (SMD range = 0.6-1.1). The number of leisure activities was associated with Social Competence (SMD = 0.22). There were no significant associations between the resilience factors and amount of support in the living arrangements or contact with the child welfare services. Unaccompanied minors reported fewer resilience factors compared to Norwegian adolescents, indicating that they may have different needs compared to other adolescents. Our study also suggests that frequent contact with family in the home country may be important to bolster positive development for unaccompanied minors after settlement.


Asunto(s)
Menores , Factores Protectores , Refugiados , Resiliencia Psicológica , Apoyo Social , Humanos , Refugiados/psicología , Masculino , Noruega , Adolescente , Femenino , Estudios Transversales , Menores/psicología , Adulto Joven , Habilidades Sociales
15.
J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol ; 53(1): 24-36, 2024.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36726050

RESUMEN

The number of unaccompanied immigrant minors (UIMs) and families from Central America seeking asylum in the U.S. continues to rise. This growth, combined with restrictive government policies, led to crowded and suboptimal conditions in Customs and Border Patrol and non-governmental organization facilities. COVID-19 further taxed facilities and exacerbated uncertainty surrounding length of detention, basic human rights, and family reunification. The current project features testimonies from the authors who work as clinical experts and providers in Texas - a top destination for Central American immigrants. In collaboration with a deputy director of a not-for-profit human rights organization, volunteer psychologists, and the director of a humanitarian respite center, we describe challenges faced by administrators and clinical staff in addressing the mental health needs of immigrant children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary themes identified were anti-immigrant policies that occurred concurrently with COVID-19; difficulty implementing COVID-19 protocols alongside scarcity of supplies and volunteers; increased mental health needs among UIMs and immigrant families; and challenges in UIM placement upon release from custody. Strategies for addressing clinical challenges in the near- and long-term and opportunities for improvement in care systems to immigrant youth, including correcting anti-immigrant policies, addressing ongoing COVID-19 protocols and challenges, meeting mental and physical health needs, facilitating release and reunification for unaccompanied immigrant minors, and maximizing youth resilience through trauma-informed interventions, are presented.


Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Emigrantes e Inmigrantes , Niño , Adolescente , Humanos , Pandemias , Menores/psicología , Salud Mental
16.
Transcult Psychiatry ; 61(1): 47-59, 2024 02.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37097911

RESUMEN

Unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) are a group in an especially vulnerable situation with heightened psychological suffering due to both stressful life events and current daily stressors. Research has shown that certain coping strategies such as avoidance can be adaptive in the face of ongoing stress. We conceptualize social support as an essential coping resource that these strategies tap into. Since the interrelations between these factors are often not clear in the literature, this study strives to identify and link URMs' coping strategies, the respective coping resources and the various stressors they target, shortly after arrival in a high-income country. Seventy-nine URMs from various backgrounds were recruited in two first-phase reception centers in Belgium. In addition to self-report questionnaires to assess stressful life events and current daily stressors, we conducted semi-structured interviews, with cultural mediators if required. Thematic analysis was applied to the participants' accounts and resulted in the identification of four coping strategies: avoidance and distraction, continuity and coherence, selective reliance, and positive appraisal and acceptance. The relation between these coping strategies, the various coping resources used, and the specific stressors at which they aim are discussed. We conclude that avoidant coping and contact with the ethnic community, particularly the peer group, are fundamental strategies for successful coping. Practitioners need to support URMs in their coping efforts by providing and facilitating appropriate coping resources.


Asunto(s)
Refugiados , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático , Humanos , Bélgica , Habilidades de Afrontamiento , Refugiados/psicología , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático/psicología , Menores/psicología
17.
Adv Exp Med Biol ; 1425: 291-301, 2023.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37581803

RESUMEN

Data related to the stress of employees in shelters for unaccompanied minors are scarce, especially when considering the escalation of the refugee issue. This study analyzed aspects of this issue as it was carried out in child protection organizations in Greece, which is a country where a huge number of immigrants and refugees pass through and thousands of professionals are employed in this field.More specifically, the aim of this study was to examine the stress (general, perceived, work-related) and burnout symptoms of a specific group of employees exposed to the COVID-19 quarantine restrictions, employees at the 'front line' of care in shelters that host unaccompanied minors and teenagers.The study was carried out from March 2020 to December 2021, when social restrictions and other preventive measures were imposed. The study sample was recruited from non-governmental organizations and shelters for unaccompanied minors, in the urban area of the center of Athens, i.e. the International Organization for Migration, The Home Project, Arsis, Iliachtida, and Zeuxis. The sample consisted of employees at the 'front line' of care in shelters that hosted unaccompanied minors and teenagers. Participants were professionals whose duty was to deal with and respond to the needs of children and adolescents within the shelters they lived in. Participants completed the following questionaires before and after the pandemic restrictions: the Job Stress Measure (JSM), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Stress in General Scale (SiGS) and a questionnaire of 11-items regarding COVID-19, focusing on the professionals' perceived stress, working conditions, working demands and the impact of COVID-19 on all the aforementioned.The study sample consisted of 50 employees (40 females, 10 males; mean age ± SD 31.46 ± 7.91 years) in hostels for unaccompanied minors. A statistically significant difference was found only in SiGS, with increased stress after COVID-19 (p = 0.001). In terms of sex, significant differences were found at baseline in PSS and Emotional Exhaustion (p = 0.036 and p = 0.028, respectively) (females revealed higher levels than males). Age and educational level were factors that interacted with the increased levels in SiGS after COVID-19 (p = 0.015 and p = 0.006, respectively). Moreover, significant differences were found at baseline in PSS (p = 0.004), with higher levels observed in employees with higher education. Workers who did not work remotely had lower levels in Personal Accomplishment after COVID-19 compared to employees who worked remotely (p = 0.050). Interestingly, the JSM showed a tendency for decreased stress levels after the implementation of the quarantine, suggesting that the employees' work-related stress remained approximately at the same levels. On the other hand, perceived stress increased as the job demands remained the same, while social and personal outlet was in appeasement.The necessity for more research to be held among health professionals is evident and is also imperative to carry out interventional studies to manage stress and thus, provide better mental health services to unaccompanied minors. There is also need for further research in similar populations of professionals outside the urban context of Athens, i.e. in the Greek islands near the sea borders, where the refugees' entries are higher in number and more frequent.


Asunto(s)
Agotamiento Profesional , COVID-19 , Estrés Laboral , Adolescente , Niño , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Actitud , COVID-19/epidemiología , Menores/psicología , Pandemias , Adulto Joven , Adulto
18.
J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry ; 62(11): 1179-1181, 2023 11.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36948395

RESUMEN

Unaccompanied immigrant minors (UIMs) are a fast-growing demographic in the United States, doubling in population since 2014.1 According to the Office of Refugee Resettlement, a UIM is someone under the age of 18 years who enters the United States without lawful status and an accompanying guardian.2 Most UIMs in the United States originate from the Central American northern triangle (ie, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras), with violence, extreme poverty, and family re-unification as the top 3 reasons for migration.1,3 Repeated exposure to stressful and/or traumatic events at home, during migration, and upon arrival increases UIMs' risk for psychological distress and mental disorders.3 UIMs' repeated encounters with race-based trauma (eg, racism, discrimination) further heightens this risk.3 The repercussions of these events are compounded by the fact that UIMs lack the adversity buffering effect that is traditionally associated with the presence of a caregiver.3 Furthermore, UIMs' mental health risk is augmented by their interaction with US systems (eg, legal, immigration, child welfare, educational, healthcare) with policies and practices that are discriminatory, are exclusionary, propagate the view of UIMs as racialized threats to society, and fail to consider their developmental context.3,4 Considering these risks, it is imperative to the well-being and positive development of UIMs that they have access to quality mental health services (MHS).


Asunto(s)
Emigrantes e Inmigrantes , Equidad en Salud , Niño , Humanos , Estados Unidos , Adolescente , Bienestar Psicológico , Menores/psicología , Salud Mental
19.
Soins Pediatr Pueric ; 44(330): 12-15, 2023.
Artículo en Francés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36759062

RESUMEN

The care of unaccompanied young exiles in public health care facilities for adolescents often requires teams to adapt their capacities for institutional containment. We describe the case of a 16 year old female migrant adolescent, whose follow-up occurred at the Maison des adolescents of the Cochin Hospital, with several healthcare workers involved. The healthcare team had to reflect on the meaning of her somatic symptoms and why the referring adults were so worried (such as fear of death). We describe how we articulated somatic and psychological care for this adolescent girl living in a precarious situation.


Asunto(s)
Refugiados , Migrantes , Niño , Femenino , Adolescente , Humanos , Menores/psicología , Niño Abandonado/psicología , Refugiados/psicología , Hospitales
20.
Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr ; 72(2): 129-147, 2023 Feb.
Artículo en Alemán | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36744497

RESUMEN

Due to the Russian invasion in Ukraine, many families were forced to flee to Germany, often having to leave relatives behind.The outpatient clinic for refugees at Universitätsklinikum Eppendorf coordinates the psychosocial and psychotherapeutic care for refugee minors from Ukraine in Hamburg. The intercultural practice for child and adolescents psychiatry offers on-site consultations for children and adolescents in camps in order to provide a low-threshold access to counseling and diagnostics. Diagnostic and therapeutic experiences to this point indicate the contribution of multifactorial stress to the development of symptoms in Ukrainian minors.The threat of war and displacement seems to be only one of many factors. Although there are some remarkable resilience factors for Ukrainian refugee children and adolescents in comparison to refugees from other countries of origin, the forced adaptation to living and studying conditions in Hamburg bears challenges for many. Additionally due to war experiences psychotherapeutic and psychiatric care is frequently needed. On Germany's side, there is a need for action to ameliorate the accessibility to the health care system for refugees and migrants. Support of therapists in this complex working field is thereby as important as advocacy for the needs of minor refugees in German society.


Asunto(s)
Psiquiatría , Refugiados , Niño , Adolescente , Humanos , Menores/psicología , Refugiados/psicología , Ucrania , Instituciones de Atención Ambulatoria
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