A pressing need for targeted services : identifying mental health issues amongst refugees and asylum seekers in Malta

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the mental health issues amongst women refugees and asylum seekers. This study will identify what professionals that work with women refugees and asylum seekers consider to be the main socio-economic, political and cultural factors that have a negative impact on the mental health of women refugees and asylum seekers. It will also explore what policies and services are available and are needed to address these concerns. This study also outlines some of the difficulties that professionals experience when working with women refugees and asylum seekers. As the researcher, I made use of a qualitative approach. I prepared a semi-structured interview that has been conducted with nine different professionals including; social workers, a lawyer, psychiatrist and social support worker. From these interviews, three major themes came to light. Specifically; i) Difficulties refugees and asylum seekers endure as a result of migrants’ situation, ii) Difficulties refugees and asylum seekers endure as a result of structural conditions and iii) Difficulties professionals endure when working with refugees and asylum seekers. As a result of the interviews, some recommendations have also been identified.