The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63409

Cheryl Robertson, PhD, MPH, RN¹, Linda Halcon, PHD, MPH, RN¹, Kay Savik, MS¹, Marline Spring, PhD², David Johnson, MD, MPH³, James Butcher, PHD⁴, Joseph Westermeyer, MD, MPH, PHD³, and James Jaranson, MD, MA, MPH⁵. (1) School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 6-101 Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0342, 612-624-5412, rober007@tc.umn.edu, (2) Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, 1-210 Moos Tower, 308 Harvard St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, (3) Psychiatry, VAMC, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, (4) Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, (5) Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, 1-210 Moos tower, 515 Delaware St., Minneapolis, MN 55455

Objectives: To determine relationships between the numbers of children Somali and Oromo refugee women are responsible for and physical, psychological and social problems. Design: In a population-based survey of 1134 Somali and Oromo refugees living in Minnesota, an analysis of 529 female participants was conducted. Questionnaire content included demographics, history of trauma and torture, scales for physical, psychological, and daily living problems, and a posttraumatic stress symptom checklist. Results: Women with seven or more children were found to have significantly higher levels of trauma, problems, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (p<.001), when compared to women with fewer children (0-6). Among the women with seven or more children (n=89), the average age was 51 years, and they were responsible for a mean of nine children. One third reported that they were caring for children who were not their own. Only 22% reported being married and living with their spouse. Less than half (47%) were literate in their own language; only 18% were high school graduates; and only 16% were employed. Conclusion: Somali and Oromo refugee families with seven or more children are at particular risk for psychosocial concerns and the problems of poverty and isolation. They are in particular need of community-based public health interventions.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the session, the participant will be able to:
• 1. Identify and discuss 3 psychosocial problems associated with numbers of children for Somali and Oromo refugee women.
• 2. Identify and discuss 3 coping strategies used by Somali and Oromo women with seven or more children
• 3. Discuss 2 psychosocial problems associated with exposure to war trauma and torture.

Keywords: Refugees, Women

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.