Title
Physical Correlates of Torture Exposure in Karen Refugees
Department/School
Social Work
Date of this version
2017
Document Type
Article
Keywords
Burma, health, Karen refugee, Myanmar, torture, war trauma
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2016.1212609
Abstract
We explored associations between torture history and physical health symptoms of 111 Karen refugees newly arrived to the United States. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of electronic health data collected at the initial refugee health-screening exam. Unique to this analysis was the exploration of relationships between torture exposure, war trauma, and presenting physical and psychological health issues. We identified no unique effects of torture on physical health above and beyond trauma exposure. Overall, in our sample we found a high prevalence of underlying infectious conditions, pain, and hypercholesterolemia, regardless of torture exposure. We discuss effects of war trauma and torture experiences on physical exam findings and implications for future research.
Volume
22
Issue
2
Published in
Journal of Loss and Trauma
Citation/Other Information
Hoffman, S. J., Robertson, C. L., Shannon, P. J., Cook, T. L., Letts, J., & Mathiason, M. A. (2017). Physical Correlates of Torture Exposure in Karen Refugees. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 22(2), 135-149. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2016.1212609