A Mixed-Methods Study of Refugee Families Joining Multi-family Groups
Stevan Weine (1), Kathleen Knafl (2), Suzanne Feetham (3), Yasmina Kulauzovic (1), Alma Lezic (1), Sanela Besic (1), Aida Mujagic (2), Jasmina Muzurovic (1), Dzemila Spahovic (1), Ivan Pavkovic (1)
Two studies were conducted with Bosnian refugee families in Chicago in order to improve engagement and retention of refugee families into multi-family support and education groups. In the first study, quantitative data from a multi-family group intervention study was analyzed in order to describe the factors that predict engagement. The data from the first study was used to design the second study, in which qualitative family interviews focused on family processes were conducted with families that either engaged and retained, or did not engage and retain, and control families. Overall, 73% of invited Bosnian refugee families engaged in multi-family groups and attended an average of 6.8 meetings. Quantitative results were that engagement into multi-family groups was associated with higher age of parents and first child, more marital disruption, lower parental English speaking, lower employment and family income, higher PTSD and Depression symptoms, higher knowledge about trauma mental health, higher scores on two social network subscales, and lower social activities. Qualitative results were that joining multi-family groups reflects family processes that involve: balancing work and family; struggling over education and children; living with memories of war; adjusting to socio-cultural and economic changes. Lastly, we built statistical models of the family processes involved in engagement and retention. These findings can help to guide the development of family-focused refugee mental health services.
A paper to be presented at the symposium, "Reaching into Refugee Communities", chaired by Lin
Piwowarczyk Other presenters: Terrence Keane, Joop de Jong.
Friday, October 31, 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
19th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
The Palmer House Hilton
Chicago, IL
