Mental Wellbeing of Syrian, Iraqi and Afghan Refugees in Austria: Evidence on the Prevalence of Anxiety Disorder and Depression

Judith Kohlenberger, Isabella Buber-Ennser, Bernhard Rengs

Publication: Contribution to conferenceConference poster

Abstract

As one of the first of its kind in Europe, the Refugee Health and Integration Survey (ReHIS) aims to explore the manifold vulnerabilities refugees experience during and after forced migration by providing primary data on depression and anxiety disorder symptoms of roughly 500 Syrian, Iraqi and Afghan refugees in Austria. Results indicate that rates of moderate to severe depression are twice as high among the refugee population as among the Austrian resident population. The mental wellbeing of female refugees and Afghan citizens is revealed to be particularly compromised. Young refugees up to the age of 24 years showed higher levels of depression and anxiety disorder than older age groups. Despite significantly higher prevalence rates of affective mental disorder symptoms, refugees do not consult psychiatric or psychological services more often than Austrians do. Language barriers, lack of information about available practitioners and long waiting lists are revealed as important barriers to mental health care.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Austrian Classification of Fields of Science and Technology (ÖFOS)

  • 504006 Demography
  • 504021 Migration research
  • 509012 Social policy

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