Characterizing of dropouts in the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers (MEHIRA) study examining the effects of a stepped and collaborative care model - a multicentered rater-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Background: Dropout from healthcare interventions can negatively affect patients and healthcare providers through impaired trust in the healthcare system and ineffective use of resources. Research on this topic is still largely missing on refugees and asylum seekers. The current study aimed to characterize predictors for dropout in the Mental Health in Refugees and Asylum Seekers (MEHIRA) study, one of the largest multicentered controlled trials investigating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a nationwide stepped and collaborative care model.

Predictors of symptom change in the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers (MEHIRA) study examining the effects of a stepped and collaborative care model - A multicentered rater-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Background: Predictors of symptom improvement are an essential starting point for tailoring psychological treatments to each individual and, in turn, increasing treatment efficacy overall. However, such research regarding refugees/asylum seekers from Arabic-/Farsi-speaking countries is lacking. The current study aimed to characterize predictors for symptom improvement in the Mental Health in Refugees and Asylum Seekers (MEHIRA) study, one of the most extensive multicentered controlled trials on a nationwide stepped and collaborative care model compared to routine German mental health care.

Empowerment group therapy for refugees with affective disorders: results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Background: Against the background of missing culturally sensitive mental health care services for refugees, we developed a group intervention ) for refugees at level 3 within the stratified Stepped and Collaborative Care Model of the project (MEHIRA). We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the group intervention with its focus on psychoeducation, stress management, and emotion regulation strategies in a culturally sensitive context for refugees with affective disorders compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU).

Method: At level 3 of the MEHIRA project, 149 refugees and asylum seekers with clinically relevant depressive symptoms were randomized to the group intervention or TAU.

Shared sorrow, shared costs: cost-effectiveness analysis of the group therapy approach to treat affective disorders in refugee populations.

Background: Refugees and asylum seekers (RAS) in Germany need tailored and resource-oriented mental healthcare interventions.

Aims: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of group psychotherapy for RAS with moderate depressive symptoms.

Method: This is a cost-effectiveness analysis of group psychotherapy that was embedded in a stratified stepped and collaborative care model (SCCM) from the multicentre randomised controlled MEHIRA trial.

Predicting treatment outcomes of the Empowerment group intervention for refugees with affective disorders: Findings from the MEHIRA project.

Background: Research on outcome predictors in the field of transcultural treatment for refugees and asylum seekers (RAS) is scarce. We aimed to evaluate predictors of outcome of a group intervention (Empowerment) for RAS with affective disorders which was incorporated at level three of the stratified stepped-care model within the Mental Health in Refugees and Asylum Seekers (MEHIRA) project.

Methods: A predictor analysis was performed at level three of the MEHIRA project, where 149 refugees with moderate depressive symptoms were treated either with Empowerment or Treatment-as-usual (TAU).

Defining pathways to healthy sustainable urban development.

Goals and pathways to achieve sustainable urban development have multiple interlinkages with human health and wellbeing. However, these interlinkages have not been examined in depth in recent discussions on urban sustainability and global urban science. This paper fills that gap by elaborating in detail the multiple links between urban sustainability and human health and by mapping research gaps at the interface of health and urban sustainability sciences.

[Peer-to-Peer Self-help Interventions for Refugees: A Pilot Study].

The arrival of a large number of forcibly displaced people in Germany since 2015 has led to increased challenges in the mental health care system. To build up knowledge and raise awareness of refugees regarding mental health services and to provide practical support, a manual for peer-to-peer (P2P) counseling was developed at Charité-University Medical Center Berlin and refugees were trained as peer counsellors. In a pilot study, we qualitatively evaluated four P2P groups with Farsi / Dari or Arabic speaking male and female refugees.

[Exploring the relationship between refugee women and female volunteers].

The growing number of refugees arriving in Germany in 2015 increased the need for support and care in psychosocial matters, on the part of both, refugees and volunteers. The research project investigated the relationship between refugee women and female volunteers, who were not necessarily familiar with each other, through 32 guided interviews (16 with Arab & Farsi speaking women, 16 women with female volunteers). The results reveal a relevant uncertainty surrounding the definition of "volunteering" on both sides as well as misunderstandings and imbalances in their interaction.

[Poverty, migration and mental health].

Poverty and social exclusion are closely related to an increased risk for the deterioration of mental health. In 2018 approximately 19% of the German population were threatened by poverty and the associated social ostracization. Migrant groups in particular often show an increased risk for poverty and are often exposed to multiple socioeconomic stress factors depending on the context of migration, pre-migration and post-migration social factors.