Medicine and Health

Asylum seeking and refugee adolescents' mental health service use and help-seeking patterns: a mixed-methods study

Y. Namer, A. Frețian, et al.

This mixed-methods study by Yudit Namer, Alexandra Frețian, Diana Podar, and Oliver Razum explores the mental health needs of asylum-seeking and refugee adolescents in Germany. Despite emotional difficulties, these young individuals underutilize mental health services due to perceived barriers. Discover essential insights into the factors influencing help-seeking and the urgent need for accessible mental health initiatives.

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Abstract

This mixed-methods study investigates the mental health needs and service utilization of asylum-seeking and refugee (ASR) adolescents in Germany. Researchers analyzed cross-sectional data from 216 ASR adolescents (aged 11-18) from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, supplemented by interviews with nine mental health professionals. Findings reveal underutilization of mental health services despite reported emotional difficulties. Perceived access barriers, age, and internalizing/externalizing symptoms predicted help-seeking patterns. Psychotherapy-related social resources and reporting emotional difficulties predicted service utilization. The study highlights the need for accessible, low-threshold mental health initiatives and support for individuals assisting ASR adolescents in navigating the healthcare system.

Publisher

npj Mental Health Research

Published On

Nov 01, 2022

Authors

Yudit Namer, Alexandra Frețian, Diana Podar, Oliver Razum

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