Research and Publications

Mental Healthcare for Afghan Evacuees- findings from a Retrospective Chart Review

Abstract #292

Title: Mental Healthcare for Afghan Evacuees- findings from
a Retrospective Chart Review

Afghan refugees face a disproportionate burden of mental health challenges, yet there is little
understanding of effective interventions for this population. This study aimed to investigate the
effectiveness of a culturally- and linguistically-adapted trauma-informed behavioral intervention,
in partnership with patient navigators, in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms among
recently resettled Afghan evacuees.

The data was collected during a mental healthcare program implemented by the Afghan Medical
Professionals Association of America (AMPAA) and its partners including Healis Health (a
telehealth delivery of care service), resettlement agencies, and community-based organizations.
We conducted a retrospective chart review of electronic medical records from 493 patients.
These patients were assessed at baseline and follow-up with the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. At follow-
up, statistically significant reductions in depression and anxiety were observed. For instance,
mean depression scores decreased from 6.14 at baseline to 2.55 at follow-up (p < .001) and
mean anxiety scores decreased from 5.12 at baseline to 3.97 at follow-up (p < .001).

The implementation of culturally- and linguistically- adapted trauma-informed behavioral
intervention, utilizing a team approach, is a unique model of successful mental health care for
Afghan newcomers and shows promise in improving mental health in this vulnerable population.

Author(s):
Author 1:
    Honorific: Dr. (PhD, MPH, MBA)
    First Name: Qais
    Last Name: Alemi
    Organization: Loma Linda University
    City: San Bernardino, CA
    Country: United States

Author 2:
    Honorific: Dr. (MD, MIH)
    First Name: Jessica
    Last Name: Cook
    Organization: Healis Health
    City: Waco, TX
    Country: United States Email: DrCook@physunited.com

Author 3:
    Honorific: (MPA)
    First Name: Sadaf
    Last Name: Afif
    Organization: College of Osteopathic Medicine NY, Touro University
    City: New York, NY
    Country: United States

Author 4:
    Honorific:
    First Name: Wajma
    Last Name: Naderi
    Organization: Afghan Medical Professionals Association of America
    City: Fairfax Station, VA
    Country: United States
    Email: wajma@ampaa.org

Author 5:
    Honorific: Dr. (MD)
    First Name: Hosai
    Last Name: Hesham
    Organization: Afghan Medical Professionals Association of America
    City: Bethesda, MD
    Country: United States
    Email: Hosai@ampaa.org

POSTER PRESENTATION

LITERATURE REFERENCES 

1. Human Rights Watch (2019) Afghanistan’s Silent Mental Health Crisis (online). Available from: Afghanistan’s Silent Mental Health Crisis | Human Rights Watch (hrw.org). Accessed 29 June 2022. 

1. US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (2022) (online). Available from: USCRI Welcomes Afghanistan Temporary Protected Status Designation (refugees.org). Accessed 29 June 2022. 

2. IndyWeek. Refugees, Advocates, and Nonprofit Organizations Stress the Need for Better Messaging on How Afghan Refugees Experiencing PTSD Can Access Mental Health Resources. Mona Dougani. Accessed 10 November 2021. 

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