Migration and Mental Health among Hmong Refugees

Association of Pre- and Postmigration Factors with Self-Rating Scales

Abstract

To date there have been no epidemiological studies of a refugee population using selfrating scales. This method was used in a study of Hmong refugees in Minnesota. Self- reported symptoms were compared with premigration and postmigration factors to assess those characteristics associated with increased symptom reporting. Relatively few premigration factors influenced these self-reports, whereas several postmigration factors were significantly correlated with symptoms. These findings suggest certain interventions which might enhance the adjustment of subsequent refugees.