Article drawing from Khmer Health Advocates' work in the torture treatment field; notes trends and interventions for diabetic refugees and recommendations for new arrivals.

Link is to abstract; full article is available for purchase from publisher.

By Mary A. Whooley, MD. Published in JAMA, May 2, 2012—Vol 307, No. 17.

Approximately 1 in 10 primary care patients has major depressive disorder, and its presence is associated with poor health outcomes in numerous medical conditions. Using the case of Mr J, a 52-year-old man with depressive symptoms and several comorbid medical conditions, diagnosis and treatment of depression are discussed.

Written for primary health care providers who may be treating refugees or other survivors of war trauma and torture. Primary care physicians and providers often must identify and educate survivors before encouraging them to seek mental health services, if appropriate. The manual includes assessment questions for health care providers to ask patients and facilitate the treatment process.

Wagner J, Kong S, Kuoch T, Scully MF, Tan HK, Bermudez-Millan A.

Published inJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved  May 2015.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This study investigated a community health worker-delivered lifestyle intervention for prevention of cardiometabolic disease, called Eat, Walk, Sleep. It was designed for traumatized, low-literacy Cambodian American refugees.

METHODS:

We used a single group, pre-post design to evaluate the effects of the program on self-reported health behaviors.

Wagner J, Rajan TV, Kuoch T, Scully M.

Published in Journal of Immigrant Minority Health December 2013.

Abstract

Few studies have explored interrelationships among mental health and health status in refugees using objective, clinical data. Pulse pressure (PP) has recently emerged as an easily obtained, strong, independent determinant of mortality. We conducted a chart review of electronic records for 24 consecutive months to investigate PP among Cambodian refugees receiving services at a community clinic in Connecticut, USA.

Wagner J, Keuky L, Lampert R, Fraser-King L, Feinn R, Kuoch T, Scully M.

Published in International Journal of Behavioral Medicine December 2015.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Diabetes, adiposity, and socioeconomic status (SES) are all associated with decreased heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of autonomic function predictive of mortality. Cambodians have high rates of diabetes and low SES. How these factors interact to explain HRV has not been examined.

PURPOSE:

The aims of this study were to investigate associations among waist-to-hip ratio, socioeconomic status, and HRV among

Kuoch T, Scully M, Tan HK, Rajan TV, Wagner J.

Published in Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action Winter 2014.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The 2009 National Cambodian American Town Hall Meeting was a public-private partnership convened to address long-term health issues related the Cambodian holocaust. Goals for participants were to dispel myths about diabetes; goals for the partnership were to build research capacity and to strengthen relationships.

METHODS:

Partners collaborated on all aspects of the meeting which was held in Khmer by bridged

Miles, Steven H; and Garcia-Peltoniemi, Rosa.

Excellent article for medical practitioners who may not realize that they are treating torture survivors with tips on how to proceed. "In this article, we propose an approach—based on studies that address cross-cultural issues or use multicenter, multivariate, meta-analytic methods—that can enable you to better identify survivors of torture, assess and document consequent morbidities, and refer them to appropriate treatment programs. We focus on individuals who were tortured months or years earlier rather than on recently traumatized patients."

Wagner J, Burke G, Kuoch T, Scully M, Armeli S, Rajan TV.

Published in Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health December 2013.

Abstract

Mental health problems among Southeast Asian refugees have been documented. However, longer term health consequences of mass violence as re-settled refugees age are less well described. This study investigated relationships among trauma symptoms, self-reported health outcomes, and barriers to healthcare among Cambodian and Vietnamese persons in Connecticut.