The transnational mental health burden of Haiti's alleged collapse: preliminary findings from The Haitian Well-Being Study.
Transnational drug trafficking, political unrest, gang violence, and paramilitarism, which are pervasive in Haiti, have resulted in a mental health crisis for the broader Haitian community. This study explores the mental well-being of Haitians in Haiti and the United States by identifying barriers and facilitators to mental health through the lived experiences of men and women.
Four Focus group discussions conducted in April and November 2023 engaged 28 participants (20 women and eight men) aged between 23 and 60 years from locations in Haiti (Port-au-Prince, Cite Soleil, Cayes, Cap-Haitien, Saint-Marc) and the United States. Discussions revolved around the definition of mental health, stressors, coping mechanisms, risk and protective factors, and barriers to mental health care.
Six principal themes emerged: 1- Chronic Traumatic Stress: continued violence, political instability, unemployment, lack of social support, adverse childhood experiences, family separation, and forced displacement were significant sources of stress. 2- Increased Health Burden: Participants reported experiencing chronic physical and psychological symptoms [i.e., hypertension, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, substance abuse, suicidal ideations, characteristics of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)], which were attributed to Haiti's social, political, and infrastructure collapse. 3- Risk Factors: limited access to mental health services, pervasive hopelessness, scarcity of opportunities, and stigma were identified as significant risks. 4- Future Uncertainty: widespread concerns regarding the future predominated. 5- Multigenerational Concerns: Significant anxiety concerning the mental health and development of children, as well as the functionality of mental health practitioners, was noted. 6- Coping and Protective Factors: Effective coping strategies include mental stimulation, peer support, managing digital consumption, engaging in leisurely activities, such as listening to music, and faith/spirituality.
The study's findings underscore the sociopolitical and economic crisis in Haiti, which has resulted in violence and a dismantle of political, educational, financial, and health infrastructures. These factors were identified as the primary source of chronic distress, contributing to widespread mental health issues, adverse physical symptoms, and disruption in daily life. The implications for practice, healing, research & policy are discussed.
Blanc J
，Carrenard NJ
，Auguste E
，Luma S
，Francois L
，Bigdeli T
，Jean-Louis G
，Duthely L
... -
《Frontiers in Public Health》
Factors Contributing to Maternal-Child Separation in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti.
The Haitian orphanage sector receives more than 70 million United States Dollars (USD) in foreign aid annually and continues grow; there are over 500 orphanages in Port-Au-Prince alone. An estimated 80% of the 30,000 children living in Haitian orphanages have at least one living parent.
This research seeks to identify factors contributing to maternal-child separation in Port-Au-Prince to understand motivations and attitudes surrounding maternal-child separation. We hypothesized that poverty, health status, and current state of the family unit are influential in the mother's decision to separate from her child.
From June to August 2017, a chain referral sampling study was conducted in Port-Au-Prince and the surrounding metropolitan area. Seventy interviews were conducted with (1) Mothers - separated (n = 8) and non-separated (n = 48) - and (2) Community leaders exposed to maternal-child separation (n = 18). The semi-structured interview consisted of questions about (1) exposure to maternal-child separation, (2) circumstances surrounding maternal-child separation, and (3) factors contributing to maternal-child separation. Additionally, all mothers completed a survey including demographic information and multiple validated surveys: Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and PTSD Checklist (PCL) to address quality of life, depression, and PTSD, respectively.
This study found separation to be associated with poor economic means compounded with other factors, most notably access to education, ability to care for disabled children, insufficient support, and poor maternal mental health. Additional themes identified include negative stigma towards maternal-child separation and sparse education surrounding family planning. Quantitative findings revealed separated mothers experienced significantly higher rates of PTSD compared to non-separated, small but statistically worse quality of life, and no difference in rates of major depression.
This research finds economic means to be insufficient in predicting maternal-child separation, with access to education being the most salient contributing factor mentioned after economics. Findings from this study will inform development of programming focusing on education, family planning, and social support in Port-Au-Prince.
Ashley J
，Johnson A
，Woldu H
，Katz CL
... -
《Annals of Global Health》
ResearchGate
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