Session: Multi-Level Risk Factors Related to the Health and Mental Health of Migrant Populations from Non-Western Low and Middle Income Countries (Society for Social Work and Research 22nd Annual Conference - Achieving Equal Opportunity, Equity, and Justice)

Background: In recent years, there has been a global demand to address the needs of mobile populations around the world. Refugees, asylum seekers or internally displaced persons often migrate due to violence or conflict, whereas labor migrants may choose to emigrate for economic reasons. Recent estimates indicate one third of migrant populations in the world migrate within their country of origin, or from a developing country to another developing country. Further, both forced and unforced migrants from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) have steadily increased and are at risk for health and mental problems, which may be associated with: violence in the country of origin, the migration process, stigma, discrimination and lack of access to resources in the host country/environment. However, few studies have examined the prevalence rates and risk factors associated with health, mental health and functioning among migrant populations from non-western LMIC. The current symposium aims to fill a gap by examining multi-level risk factors related to the health and mental health needs of migrant populations in non-western contexts, which will potentially inform the development of culturally and contextually relevant treatment interventions.

Methods: The current symposium utilizes various rigorous research approaches to examine the prevalence of and risk factors associated with health, mental health and functioning among a number of different mobile populations from LMIC, which have been grossly understudied. In the current symposium we will examine: 1) the relationship between migrant-related stressors, mental health problems and HIV risk behaviors among Zambian female fish traders and male truck drivers through qualitative methods; 2) the prevalence of chronic disease and mental health prevalence among labor migrants in Kazakhstan utilizing respondent driven sampling methods; 3) the risk environment for perpetration of partner violence among male migrant market workers in Kazakhstan using respondent driven sampling; and 4) mental health studies among adult Syrian refugees through a systematic review.

Results: The studies of the current symposium demonstrate distinct differences and similarities between migrant populations from LMIC in terms of health, mental health and functioning needs. In the study of Zambian labor migrants, we highlight the exposure to ongoing trauma and ongoing daily stressors of migrant populations from LMIC and associated risk for HIV. In Kazakhstan, among male migrants, we will highlight the differential risk environment factors associated with IPV according to migrant type. Also, in Kazakhstan, among both male and female migrants, we describe the low prevalence of chronic disease and mental health problems as a way to increase our understanding of protective factors related to functioning and well-being. Finally, findings from a systematic review among Syrian refugees demonstrate a lack of rigorous research and mental health interventions that have occurred among this at risk and vulnerable population.

Conclusion: The current symposium will address a gap in the current literature which examines the health and mental health needs of distinct migrant populations from LMIC. Our studies will inform future research and the development of contextually relevant and culturally appropriate interventions which address the distinct needs of migrant populations from LMIC. IC.