The purpose of the study is to better understand the complex relationship between traumatic experiences, mental health and physical health in Congolese refugees. Participants include approximately 50 adult Congolese refugees resettled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Participants will be recruited from Bethany Christian Services Refugee Resettlement Office and monthly Congolese community meeting. Participants will complete a brief survey that includes questions about their current trauma and depressive symptoms, subjective physical health, access to physical health and mental health care, and resettlement experience. All study materials will be available in English and Swahili. Data will be analyzed to determine if the relationship between past experiences and current physical health is moderated by mental health. Results of this study will be used to inform policymakers and refugee resettlement agencies about the current mental and physical health of Congolese refugees and their access to necessary services during the resettlement process. This project was made possible by funding from F&M's Leser Scholars Grant.
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