Priorities, concerns and unmet needs amongHaitians inBoston after the 2010 earthquake

Abstract

In January 2010, a massive earthquake struck Haiti. The devastation not only affected those living in Haiti at the time but also those Haitians living in the United States (U.S.). Few studies have assessed the degree of impact of the earthquake in U.S. Haitian communities. The purpose of this study was to elicit information about health priorities, concerns and resources needed to improve the delivery of health and social care for Haitians in Boston, MA. We conducted six focus groups among 78 individuals in the spring of 2011. Participants were recruited through community organisations, including churches, Haitian social service centres, restaurants and by word of mouth. Analysis of qualitative data revealed an enormous psychological, emotional, financial and physical toll experienced by Boston‐area Haitians following the earthquake. Participants described increased distress, depressive episodes, headaches and financial hardship. They also noted insufficient resources to meet the increased needs of those living in the U.S., and those who had immigrated after the earthquake. Most participants cited an increased need for mental health services, as well as assistance with finding employment, navigating the immigration system, and balancing the health and financial needs of families in the U.S. and in Haiti. Despite this, many reported that the tragedy created a sense of unity and solidarity within the Haitian community. These findings corroborate the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services, as well as for employment, immigration and healthcare navigation services. Participants suggested that interventions be offered through Haitian radio and television stations, as well as group events held in churches. Further research should assess the need for and barriers to utilisation of mental health services among the Haitian community. A multi‐faceted approach that includes a variety of outreach strategies implemented through multiple channels may offer a means of improving awareness of and access to health and social services.

Mental Health Impact of Hosting Disaster Refugees: Analyses from a Random Sample Survey Among Haitians Living in Miami

“…35 After the earthquake, studies that investigated the mental health of Haitians in the Haitian diaspora showed that these Haitians experienced more symptoms of distress, psychotrauma, anxiety, and depression. 27,30–34 …”

“…The consequences of the earthquake were important not only for Haitians living in Haiti but also for Haitians living in the United States, who were watching the devastation and desolation on television and social networks. 27 It can be hypothesized that hosting friends or family members who were displaced from Haiti because they became homeless is a factor in the reactivation of the host’s traumatic memories, triggered by refugees’ narration of the disaster. As such, although hosting refugees can be thought of as a unique opportunity to help one’s community, 27,48 it comes with a risk of weakening one’s own mental health.…”

“…27 It can be hypothesized that hosting friends or family members who were displaced from Haiti because they became homeless is a factor in the reactivation of the host’s traumatic memories, triggered by refugees’ narration of the disaster. As such, although hosting refugees can be thought of as a unique opportunity to help one’s community, 27,48 it comes with a risk of weakening one’s own mental health. As this study reveals, the act of extending one’s home, lodging, and sustenance to refugees of a disaster, although a kind and altruistic act, comes at a cost to the hosts’ mental health.…”

“…With a population of 10 million in the country and 69% of the population living below the poverty line, Haiti’s economy relies in part upon the diaspora of approximately 870,000 individuals to the United States. 27 …”

“…27 When arriving in United States, this minority group, coming from one of the poorest countries in the Americas, has been directly confronted with a number of stressors, including acculturation, racial discrimination, and psychological distress. These individuals have experienced “stress associated with learning a new language and work skills, following new social and cultural norms, and coping with financial hardship.” 35 Voluntary migrants to the United States are at increased risk of the onset of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) after migration.…”