[THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN EXPOSURE TO TRAUMA AND MENTAL ILLNESS AMONG WORK MIGRANTS AND ASYLUM SEEKERS IN ISRAEL: A SURVEY AT THE OPEN CLINIC, PHYSICIANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, 2012-2013].

INTRODUCTION

In 2012, 183,896 work migrants and 47,704 asylum-seekers and work-migrants arrived in Israel. These populations are at high-risk for depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Open Clinic of Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) delivers free medical and mental health services to these individuals.

AIMS

To evaluate exposure to traumatic events, and compare the prevalence and risk for PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms between work-migrants and asylum-seekers.

METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study of adults visiting the Open Clinic was conducted. Participants completed self-report questionnaires including information on demographics and exposure to traumas, depression, anxiety and PTSD. Statistical models were constructed to predict outcome variables of PTSD, depression and anxiety as dichotomist variables using a logistic regression, and association odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) on 95% level.

RESULTS

There were 241 participants; 165 asylum-seekers, 76 work-migrants. Work-migrants were exposed to more traumatic events. A total of 17-31% met PTSD criteria. Significantly more asylum-seekers met PTSD criteria. A total of 43%-50% met criteria for depression and/or anxiety, with no between-group differences. Significant association was found between immigration status and PTSD risk. Exposure to traumatic events was significantly associated with the prediction of PTSD, depression and anxiety.

DISCUSSION

Exposure to traumatic events was high among the Open Clinic service users, specifically work-migrants. Prevalence and risk for post-traumatic symptoms were significantly higher among asylum-seekers. It is important to conduct further research, in order to characterize risk and resilience factors in this excluded population, and to plan language and culture-competent mental health services.