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Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, Vol. 32, No. 3, 179-187 (2004)
DOI: 10.1080/14034940310017797

The psychological and social situation of repatriated and exiled refugees: a longitudinal, comparative study

Birgit Lie

Psychosocial Centre for Refugees, University of Oslo, Norway, birgit_lie{at}c2i.net

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore possible differences in the longitudinal course of psychological symptoms and somatic symptoms between one group of Bosnian refugees returning to their home country (B) and one group remaining in the host country (N). The aim was also to look for possible differences in pre-flight traumatic experiences and psychological symptom load within the groups. In addition the experiences of returning home after a period in exile were studied, based on quantitative and qualitative data. Methods: The study is a follow-up study of 21 Bosnian refugees returning to Bosnia compared with 175 refugees remaining in exile in Norway. Quantitative results are supplemented with qualitative information. Results: Both groups demonstrated persistence of psychological symptoms, indicating severity and chronicity of the problems. The main findings were that refugees with a former history of traumatic experiences of a physical character were less willing to return. A decrease over time in all symptom parameters was found in the repatriated group with a statistically significant decline for the PTSS-16 and HTQ scores ( p<0.05). Conclusions: Chronicity of psychological symptom load was found in both groups. The decision to return home seems to be closely connected to pre-flight traumatic experiences. An early decision to return home seems to be persistent over time.

Key Words: Bosnia • healthcare • longitudinal • psychosocial • PTSD • refugee • repatriation • stress • trauma • torture.


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