Risk and protective factors for comorbidity of PTSD, depression, and anxiety among Somali refugees in Kenya.

Background: Comorbid common mental disorders (CMDs) are pervasive in refugee populations. However, limited research has explored psychosocial factors for mental disorder comorbidity in Somali refugee samples.

Aims: This study aims to explore potential risk and protective factors for comorbid depression-anxiety and comorbid depression-PTSD by examining associations between trauma exposure, psychosocial factors, and mental health symptoms among a sample of Somali refugees displaced in urban Kenya.

Trauma-Informed Psychoeducation for Somali Refugee Youth in Urban Kenya: Effects on PTSD and Psychosocial Outcomes.

The current study developed and implemented a trauma-informed psychoeducation (TIPE) intervention that is culturally relevant to urban Somali refugees in Nairobi, Kenya. A total of 141 Somali refugee youth completed 12 sessions of peer-led TIPE intervention. A series of pre- and post-tests revealed that TIPE made positive impacts on PTSD symptoms and psychosocial factors, with a differential effect observed according to baseline PTSD symptom report.

Mental health risks and stressors faced by urban refugees: Perceived impacts of war and community adversities among Somali refugees in Nairobi.

Background: There is a gap in understanding of refugee mental health risks unique to urban areas of low-income countries.

Material: A qualitative rapid appraisal using focus group interviews with community stakeholders explored main stressors pervasive by Somali refugees in Nairobi, Kenya.

Discussion: This study identified the intersection of war trauma and daily stressors that affect both functional and structural challenges and risk of mental health issues among Somali urban refugees.

Khat Use, PTSD and Psychotic Symptoms among Somali Refugees in Nairobi - A Pilot Study.

In East-African and Arab countries, khat leaves are traditionally chewed in social settings. They contain the amphetamine-like alkaloid cathinone. Especially among Somali refugees, khat use has been associated with psychiatric symptoms.