Date of Award
8-16-2024
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Health Promotion, Education and Behavior
First Advisor
Shan Qiao
Abstract
In response to the escalating global refugee crisis, intensified by ongoing conflicts and environmental changes, this dissertation research focuses on the mental health of Afghan refugee women in the United States (U.S.), particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 Taliban takeover. With over 114 million people displaced globally, Afghan refugees, notably women, encounter heightened mental health risks due to violence, deprivation, systemic persecution, and the challenges of migration. This vulnerability is exacerbated by recent mass traumatic events, including the pandemic and political upheaval in Afghanistan. Our study, conducted through semi-structured interviews with Afghan refugee women and service providers in California, U.S., employs a grounded theory-based thematic analysis to investigate the mental health impacts, support mechanisms, and integration challenges faced by Afghan women in the U.S. The research unfolds in three interconnected studies, each addressing different aspects of the refugee experience under the dual crises of COVID-19 and the Taliban takeover. The first study reveals the multifaceted stressors Afghan women face, including sociocultural challenges, economic hardship, health access barriers, and family struggles leading to significant mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Their coping strategies range from problem-focused efforts, such as skill acquisition and professional consultation, to emotion-focused practices, including social support and religious engagement. The second study assesses the support provided by governmental and non-governmental organizations, identifying both successes and gaps in services like financial aid, educational support, and mental health care. Barriers to effective support include policy inefficiencies, cultural and language differences, and patriarchal norms, while facilitators involve political attention and community contributions. The third study explores the pandemic’s impact on Afghan women’s integration into U.S. society, highlighting challenges and facilitators across individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels. Integration challenges exacerbated by the pandemic include changing roles, financial literacy, language acquisition, and access to employment and education. Overall, our findings underscore the complex interplay of mental health, support systems, and integration processes for Afghan refugee women in the U.S. and advocate for cultural competence and long-term strategies to enhance their well-being and social inclusion. This dissertation research contributes a tailored conceptual framework for understanding and addressing the mental health needs of Afghan refugee women amid the pandemic and political turmoil, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive, culturally competent interventions and support networks.
Rights
© 2024, Atefeh Aghaei
Recommended Citation
Aghaei, A.(2024). Impacts of COVID-19 and Taliban Takeover on U.S. Afghan Refugee Women’s Mental Health: A Socio-Ecological Approach to Resilience Resources. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/7747