PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
UNASSIGNED: Transnational drug trafficking, political unrest, gang violence, and paramilitarism, which are pervasive in Haiti, have resulted in a mental health crisis for the broader Haitian community. This study explores the mental well-being of Haitians in Haiti and the United States by identifying barriers and facilitators to mental health through the lived experiences of men and women.
UNASSIGNED: Four Focus group discussions conducted in April and November 2023 engaged 28 participants (20 women and eight men) aged between 23 and 60 years from locations in Haiti (Port-au-Prince, Cite Soleil, Cayes, Cap-Haitien, Saint-Marc) and the United States. Discussions revolved around the definition of mental health, stressors, coping mechanisms, risk and protective factors, and barriers to mental health care.
UNASSIGNED: Six principal themes emerged: 1- Chronic Traumatic Stress: continued violence, political instability, unemployment, lack of social support, adverse childhood experiences, family separation, and forced displacement were significant sources of stress. 2- Increased Health Burden: Participants reported experiencing chronic physical and psychological symptoms (i.e., hypertension, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, substance abuse, suicidal ideations, characteristics of post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]), which were attributed to Haiti\'s social, political, and infrastructure collapse. 3- Risk Factors: limited access to mental health services, pervasive hopelessness, scarcity of opportunities, and stigma were identified as significant risks. 4- Future Uncertainty: widespread concerns regarding the future predominated. 5- Multigenerational Concerns: Significant anxiety concerning the mental health and development of children, as well as the functionality of mental health practitioners, was noted. 6- Coping and Protective Factors: Effective coping strategies include mental stimulation, peer support, managing digital consumption, engaging in leisurely activities, such as listening to music, and faith/spirituality.
UNASSIGNED: The study\'s findings underscore the sociopolitical and economic crisis in Haiti, which has resulted in violence and a collapse of political, educational, financial, and health infrastructures. These factors were identified as the primary source of chronic distress, contributing to widespread mental health issues, adverse physical symptoms, and disruption in daily life. The implications for practice, healing, research & policy are discussed.
UNASSIGNED: Four Focus group discussions conducted in April and November 2023 engaged 28 participants (20 women and eight men) aged between 23 and 60 years from locations in Haiti (Port-au-Prince, Cite Soleil, Cayes, Cap-Haitien, Saint-Marc) and the United States. Discussions revolved around the definition of mental health, stressors, coping mechanisms, risk and protective factors, and barriers to mental health care.
UNASSIGNED: Six principal themes emerged: 1- Chronic Traumatic Stress: continued violence, political instability, unemployment, lack of social support, adverse childhood experiences, family separation, and forced displacement were significant sources of stress. 2- Increased Health Burden: Participants reported experiencing chronic physical and psychological symptoms (i.e., hypertension, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, substance abuse, suicidal ideations, characteristics of post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]), which were attributed to Haiti\'s social, political, and infrastructure collapse. 3- Risk Factors: limited access to mental health services, pervasive hopelessness, scarcity of opportunities, and stigma were identified as significant risks. 4- Future Uncertainty: widespread concerns regarding the future predominated. 5- Multigenerational Concerns: Significant anxiety concerning the mental health and development of children, as well as the functionality of mental health practitioners, was noted. 6- Coping and Protective Factors: Effective coping strategies include mental stimulation, peer support, managing digital consumption, engaging in leisurely activities, such as listening to music, and faith/spirituality.
UNASSIGNED: The study\'s findings underscore the sociopolitical and economic crisis in Haiti, which has resulted in violence and a collapse of political, educational, financial, and health infrastructures. These factors were identified as the primary source of chronic distress, contributing to widespread mental health issues, adverse physical symptoms, and disruption in daily life. The implications for practice, healing, research & policy are discussed.
摘要：
背景跨国贩毒，政治动荡,帮派暴力,和准军事主义，在海地普遍存在，导致了更广泛的海地社区的心理健康危机。本研究通过男性和女性的生活经历，确定心理健康的障碍和促进者，探索海地和美国海地人的心理健康。方法2023年4月和11月进行的四次焦点小组讨论吸引了28名参与者(20名女性和8名男性)，年龄在23至60岁之间，来自海地(太子港，引用Soleil,Cayes,Cap-Haitien,圣马克）和美国。讨论围绕心理健康的定义，压力源,应对机制，风险和保护因素，和心理保健的障碍。结果出现了六个主要主题：1-慢性创伤应激：持续暴力，政治不稳定,失业,缺乏社会支持,不利的童年经历，家庭分离,被迫流离失所是压力的重要来源。2-增加的健康负担：参与者报告经历了慢性身体和心理症状(即，高血压,焦虑,抑郁症,睡眠问题,药物滥用,自杀意念,创伤后应激障碍[PTSD]的特征)，这归因于海地的社会，政治,基础设施崩溃。3-风险因素：获得心理健康服务的机会有限，无处不在的绝望，机会稀缺,和污名被确定为重大风险。4-未来不确定性：对未来的普遍担忧占主导地位。5-多代关注：关于儿童心理健康和发展的重大焦虑，以及心理健康从业者的功能，已注意到。6-应对和保护因素：有效的应对策略包括精神刺激，同行支持，管理数字消费，从事悠闲的活动，比如听音乐，和信仰/灵性。结论研究结果强调了海地的社会政治和经济危机，这导致了暴力和政治崩溃，教育,金融,和卫生基础设施。这些因素被确定为慢性痛苦的主要来源，导致广泛的心理健康问题，不良的身体症状，日常生活中的干扰。对实践的影响，愈合，研究和政策进行了讨论。
