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. 2023 Jul;59(5):929-941.
doi: 10.1007/s10597-022-01078-7. Epub 2022 Dec 27.

Positive Minds for Refugees: A Qualitative Study to Inform Intervention Development

Sarah Hillegass  1 , Rawan AlHeresh  2 , Helina Samson  3 , Joy Ko  4 , Tri Vo  5 , Megan Young  6 , Margarita Alegria  7
Affiliations

Positive Minds for Refugees: A Qualitative Study to Inform Intervention Development

Sarah Hillegass et al. Community Ment Health J. 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Refugees face significantly worse mental health outcomes compared to the general population within their host country; however, few refugee-specific mental health programs exist within the United States. Utilizing Community-based Participatory Research methods, a community-based mental health intervention named Positive Minds for Refugees (PMR) is in development. In this preliminary study, we shared the in-development intervention with refugees (n = 8), holding a series of 3 focus groups to gain feedback on the intervention content and determine acceptability. Findings suggest that the intervention is generally acceptable and relevant to the refugee community. Mental health for refugees is closely linked with their ability to navigate new social, cultural, and physical environments during resettlement; therefore, to address unmet needs, additional content should be added on: American cultural norms, navigating US society, and coping with social isolation and self-care. This study highlights cultural considerations for presenting written intervention content and implementing sessions.

Keywords: Community-based participatory research; Intervention development; Mental health; Refugees.

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