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A comparison of the mental health of refugees with temporary versus permanent protection visas

Shakeh Momartin, Zachary Steel, Marianio Coello, Jorge Aroche, Derrick M Silove and Robert Brooks
Med J Aust 2006; 185 (7): 357-361. || doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00610.x
Published online: 2 October 2006

In recent years, Western countries have introduced stringent measures to restrict the inflow of asylum seekers.1 From 1992 to 2005, Australia implemented a policy of mandatory detention of all asylum seekers who arrived by boat or without valid travel documents. Mental health professionals have raised concerns that prolonged detention can re-traumatise people fleeing persecution and abuse,1 issues that have been reiterated by successive Commissions of Inquiry,2-4 and by clinicians involved with detainees’ welfare.5-7 Until recently, proponents of the detention policy argued variously that detainees were not mentally ill, that any existing mental illness was related to pre-existing problems, and/or that the psychological care provided in detention centres was adequate.3,8 Calls by bodies such as the Australian Medical Association for independent research into detainees’ mental health have gone unheeded.9

The few studies conducted of detainees’ mental health have revealed elevated levels of psychiatric disturbance,10 with length of confinement appearing to be associated with a progressive deterioration in mental state.6,11,12 A study of detained asylum seekers in the United States suggested that release from detention with secure residency improved mental health status, at least in the short term.13 The security and certainty associated with obtaining a permanent visa may be pivotal in gradually reducing refugee-related symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress.14

About 90% of detained asylum seekers in Australia have been recognised as refugees after rigorous assessments based on the United Nations Convention on Refugees. However, since 1999, on release from detention, these refugees have been given temporary protection visas (TPVs), not permanent protection visas (PPVs) with the full entitlements of Australian citizens (Box 1).

The uncertainty and lack of access to assistance which accompanies temporary protection status may compound the effects of prolonged detention. Hence, despite having the same ethnic background, people who hold TPVs may differ substantially from those with PPVs in terms of their mental health and their prospects for a secure resettlement trajectory.

Since 1993, Australia has hosted about 20 000 settler-arrivals from Iran and Afghanistan.15 These countries have been affected by political instability and conflict for over 20 years, with widespread human rights abuses occurring. Large numbers of citizens have fled. Iran and Afghanistan share strong historical and cultural links, both speaking Persian dialects.

We compared the mental health of holders of PPVs and TPVs from Persian-speaking backgrounds, and assessed the predictors of psychiatric status in these two groups.

Methods
Measures

We applied two widely used symptom measures: the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire,16 which assesses exposure to trauma and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugee populations; and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25,17 a measure of depression and anxiety. Continuous scores were used for both measures to avoid applying case threshold scores (these have not been established for these ethnic groups). We also used the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30)18 as an overall measure of distress, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-12) mental and physical component summaries.19

To assess recent adverse life experiences, two previously used purpose-designed measures were applied: the Postmigration Living Difficulties Checklist,20,21 whose items have consistently discriminated between asylum seekers and refugees with secure and insecure status;20,21 and the Detention Experiences Checklist, which examines 64 adverse experiences of confinement and detention, with previous research supporting its criterion validity.11,22

Translation and back translation

All measures were translated using established translation and blind back-translation procedures.23 The original and back-translated versions were assessed for meaning equivalence, and minor discrepancies were reconciled by two Persian-speaking psychologists.

Statistical methods

Univariate comparisons are presented with statistical contrasts using two-sample t-tests and Pearson χ2 tests. Fisher’s exact test was used to investigate differences for individual items of the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and the Postmigration Living Difficulties Checklist, with a Bonferroni adjustment for the overall type I error rate (Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, 0.05/16 = 0.003; Postmigration Living Difficulties Checklist, 0.05/23 = 0.0022).24

SPSS, version 14 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Ill, USA) was used to conduct a series of stepwise multiple linear regression analyses, with predictors entered in chronological order, to examine the combined impact of demographic, premigration and postmigration variables on indices of psychiatric status and functional impairment (PTSD, depression, anxiety, GHQ-30, SF-12 mental and physical functioning). At Step 1, demographic (age and sex) and premigration trauma variables were entered in a forward selection procedure with entry criteria based on the probability of the F value ≥ 0.5.

At Step 2, the impact of postmigration variables was examined using two sets of models. In the first, the effect of TPV status was calculated, adjusting for significant variables from Step 1. As TPV holders were the only group with a history of immigration detention in Australia, this model effectively examined the combined impact of detention and TPV status, adjusting for significant demographic and premigration predictors from Step 1. In the second set of linear regression analyses, TPV status was replaced by three indices wholly or predominantly characteristic of that group: the total number of negative detention experiences, the total number of current living difficulties, and whether or not respondents were separated from their spouse as a consequence of being in Australia. These stresses showed almost perfect multicollinearity with TPV status, indicating their relevance to that group, but also precluding the entry of TPV status into the equation. A stepwise forward selection procedure was used to identify whether any of the three indices were independently associated with psychiatric status and disability after adjusting for the effects of age, sex and premigration trauma.

Standardised β coefficients (mean = 0; SD = 1) are given. These provide an estimate of the magnitude of the unique association of each independent predictor (holding constant the effects of the other independent variables in the model) on the dependent or outcome variable. The percentage of variance explained (R2) is presented as a measure of the overall strength of the multivariate association between the predictor variables and the dependent variable. Regression diagnostics were examined to ensure that the standardised residuals were bivariate normal and that the condition index for independent variables was < 15, indicating acceptable multicollinearity between the independent variables.25

Results

Box 2 presents the demographic data for the study sample. The refugees with PPVs and TPVs had lived in the Australian community for a short time (a mean of about 3 months), but TPV holders had previously been held in immigration detention for an average of 12 months. Males predominated among TPV holders, typical of the TPV population in Australia. A substantially larger number of male TPV holders were geographically separated from their spouse.

Postmigration living difficulties

Levels of endorsement (stressful/very stressful) for the 23 items in the Postmigration Living Difficulties Checklist (since arrival in Australia [PPV holders] or release from detention [TPV holders]) are given in Box 3. The proportion of TPV holders experiencing difficulties exceeded that of PPV holders on all items assessed (P < 0.001). Separation from the family, worry about the family’s safety, being unable to return home in an emergency, and anxiety about repatriation were endorsed by over 90% of TPV holders.

Mental health indicators

The results of univariate analyses comparing TPV and PPV holders on indices of psychiatric status and functional impairment are shown in Box 4. TPV holders scored higher on all psychiatric symptom measures and had a lower score on the SF-12 mental component summary score, indicating greater functional impairment in this domain. There was some evidence of a higher level of physical functioning among the TPV sample (indicated by higher scores).

Multiple linear regression analyses

The trauma count derived from the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire was significantly associated with psychiatric and functional impairment across all of the six clinical domains assessed (ie, PTSD, depression, anxiety, GHQ-30, SF-12 mental and physical functioning). For PTSD, in the next step, TPV status emerged as the greatest single contributor, yielding a large standardised β value of 0.84. The overall predictor model for PTSD accounted for a substantial amount of the variance (73.9%), with TPV status making the greatest contribution (≈ 68%). In the other equations, a combination of age, sex, trauma and TPV status contributed substantially to indices of mental health and functional impairment, but not to the same extent as for PTSD (Box 5). TPV status and prior trauma exposure consistently contributed to scores on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 depression and anxiety scales, the GHQ-30 score and the SF-12 mental component summary scale, controlling for the effects of other variables included in the model. The model for physical disability showed a distinctive pattern, with older age, female sex and trauma exposure, but not TPV status, making contributions.

In the second set of regression analyses, as indicated previously, the broad category of TPV status was replaced with TPV-specific experiences, namely the number of negative detention experiences; the number of current living difficulties; and current separation from spouse. Indices of past detention stresses and current postmigration living difficulties emerged as independent predictors. Current living difficulties were associated with increased symptoms of PTSD, general distress, and anxiety and depression. Past detention stresses predicted PTSD and poor mental health functioning (SF-12 — mental component summary). Neither past detention nor ongoing stress predicted impairments in physical functioning (SF-12 — physical component summary), adjusting for other variables in the model. Separation from spouse was not an independent predictor in the models, possibly because of the high level of collinearity with current living difficulties and negative detention experiences.

Discussion

Our study provides consistent evidence that the migration trajectory experienced by TPV holders, particularly adversity in detention and ongoing living difficulties, is accompanied by persisting and wide-ranging mental health problems and associated disability.

Our data and those from a parallel investigation22 represent the first systematic documentation of the mental health of refugees in Australia who have experienced detention followed by temporary protection. Assessing the impact of these experiences is important, as they are central to the strategies adopted by Australia, and, increasingly, other Western countries, for deterring the inflow of asylum seekers.

TPV holders exceeded PPV holders on all measures of psychiatric disturbance and mental disability. Consistent with the body of refugee literature, regression analyses showed that trauma was a predictor of all mental health indices. Nevertheless, TPV status made a substantial additional contribution, being by far the greatest predictor of PTSD symptoms, accounting for 68% of the variance. Adverse prior detention experiences and current living difficulties each made substantial and independent contributions to PTSD symptoms. Current living difficulties were also associated with general distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Investigations in detention centres in Australia6,10-12 and abroad13,26 have indicated that confinement under harsh conditions is associated with deterioration in the mental state of detainees. Studies among asylum seekers living in the community,20,21,27,28 have also shown the compounding effects of past trauma, postmigration living difficulties and insecurity about the future.

The limitations of our study include potential transcultural measurement error and sampling biases. Measures were specifically chosen because of their past psychometric performance when applied across cultures and we applied standard translation–back translation methods. A native Persian-speaker (S M) with considerable experience in transcultural research undertook all interviews. She clarified the meaning of items with participants wherever necessary. Although the Early Intervention Program provided access to about half of the off-shore humanitarian arrivals (PPV holders) and most of the TPV holders in NSW during the study period, the coverage of PPV holders varied substantially by subcategory, with non-sponsored refugees (the largest group) being well represented (83%), but sponsored PPV holders less well represented (15%). If this sampling bias had any effect, it would be to reduce differences between TPV holders and the PPV group, as the under-represented group is well supported on arrival by existing family and social networks, a fact that is likely to mitigate mental distress.29

TPV holders with insecure residency may be more likely to be plaintive in their attitudes and hence exaggerate their problems. However, the TPV group had been recognised as refugees and had only recently been released from detention, so there was no immediate personal benefit to them to obtain further documentation or publicity relating to their cases. They were fully aware that their residency status would only be considered some years later, and that refugee determinations would be based solely on whether they were deemed at risk of future persecution in their home countries, and not on the subject of inquiry in our study. Furthermore, there were no differences between PPV and TPV holders in reporting past trauma exposure and the overall levels of abuses reported are not excessive compared with other refugee groups studied in Australia20,21 or worldwide.30-33

Since our research was completed, Australia has revised its immigration policies, substantially limiting mandatory detention and allowing for external review of the grounds for detention after 2 years. TPV holders have been allowed to apply for permanent residency under alternative immigration streams. Several factors undoubtedly shaped these changes, but concerns about the mental health of detainees proved to be a decisive feature of the debate. Hence, health professions must continue to monitor the interplay of policy and mental health outcomes in this and other vulnerable groups.

3 Living difficulties causing serious/very serious stress since release from detention (holders of temporary protection visas [TPVs]) or arrival in Australia (holders of permanent protection visas [PPVs])

Living difficulties

TPV (n = 49)

PPV (n = 67)


Protection concerns

Worry about family in home country

47 (96%)

0 (0)

Separation from family

47 (96%)

5 (7%)

Fear of repatriation

45 (92%)

0 (0)

Unable to return home in an emergency

48 (98%)

0 (0)

Interviews by immigration officers

36 (73%)

1 (1%)

Conflict with immigration officers

35 (71%)

0 (0)

Access to health and welfare

Unemployment

45 (92%)

7 (10%)

Insufficient money to buy food, pay rent and buy necessities

45 (92%)

9 (13%)

Difficulty obtaining government welfare

47 (96%)

4 (6%)

Bad working conditions

43 (92%)

10 (10%)

Difficulty obtaining help from charities

40 (82%)

16 (24%)

Worry about not getting medical treatment

38 (78%)

1 (1%)

Poor access to emergency care

37 (76%)

1 (1%)

Poor access for long-term health problems

34 (69%)

1 (1%)

Poor access to dental care

31 (63%)

1 (1%)

Poor access to counselling

16 (33%)

1 (1%)

Resettlement experiences

Communication difficulties

49 (100%)

36 (54%)

Discrimination

38 (78%)

1 (1%)

Loneliness and boredom

47 (96%)

2 (3%)

Discrimination by other ethnic groups

38 (78%)

1 (1%)

Isolation

45 (92%)

10 (15%)

Conflict with other ethnic groups in Australia

34 (69%)

4 (6%)

Lack of access to preferred foods

29 (59%)

3 (4%)


All contrasts between TPV and PPV holders significant at P < 0.001 using Fisher’s exact test.

Received 30 June 2006, accepted 4 August 2006

  • Shakeh Momartin1
  • Zachary Steel2
  • Marianio Coello1
  • Jorge Aroche1
  • Derrick M Silove2
  • Robert Brooks2

  • 1 Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS), Sydney, NSW.
  • 2 Psychiatry Research and Teaching Unit, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney; and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Sydney, NSW.


Correspondence: z.steel@unsw.edu.au

Acknowledgements: 

This study was supported by an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Program Grant 300403.

Competing interests:

None identified.

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