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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | Research article

Factors influencing utilization and perception of health care: a qualitative study among traumatized Yazidi refugees in Germany

Authors: Virginia M. Tran, Laila Fozouni, Jana K. Denkinger, Caroline Rometsch, Florian Junne, Patrick Vinck, Phuong Pham

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Ensuring adequate utilization of healthcare services for displaced populations is critical, yet there are well-documented treatment gaps. Yazidi women captured by the Islamic State (IS) were subjected to extreme trauma and violence. This study aims to understand perceptions of healthcare providers and utilization of these services among women who experienced extreme trauma.

Methods

This is a qualitative study with voluntary participation offered to approximately 400 women resettled through the Special Quota Program. An empirical approach was used to collect data and a grounded theory approach was used for content analysis. Participants ranked their interactions with providers on a Likert scale. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were assessed using the impact of event scale-revised questionnaire.

Results

A total of 116 Yazidi women participated in this study. The women experienced an average of 6.8 months of captivity by IS and 93% met criteria for probable PTSD. Eighty-three percent of the women interacted with a physician; 80% found this interaction helpful. Sixty-nine percent interacted with psychologists; 61% found this interaction helpful. Six themes emerged: “reminders of trauma” and “hopelessness” in relation to the traumatic experience; “immediate relief” and “healing through pharmaceutical treatment” in relation to provider interventions, and “support” and “cultural differences” in relation to interactions with providers.

Conclusions

There exist major barriers to care for Yazidi women who experienced extreme trauma, particularly in regards to psychiatric care. Perceptions of healthcare providers and perceived effectiveness of therapy are critical factors that must be taken into consideration to improve healthcare utilization and outcomes.

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Title: Factors influencing utilization and perception of health care: a qualitative study among traumatized Yazidi refugees in Germany
Authors: Virginia M. Tran
Laila Fozouni
Jana K. Denkinger
Caroline Rometsch
Florian Junne
Patrick Vinck
Phuong Pham
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Care
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03335-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Factors influencing utilization and perception of health care: a qualitative study among traumatized Yazidi refugees in Germany

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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