Afghan Community Mental Health Study
Project Name: Evaluating the Mental Health and Psychosocial Needs of Afghans Recently Resettled in the United States
This project, implemented in partnership with Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, evaluates the mental health and psychosocial needs of Afghans recently resettled in the United States. Through formative mixed methods research, this study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving legal, social, and service responses to better meet the needs of Afghan communities.
Afghan immigrants and refugees to the U.S. have diverse needs, including access to mental health services. This project seeks to understand their mental health needs, primary support sources (such as family, community, and religious organizations), and cultural norms around informal and formal services. Situating mental health within the resettlement context—considering factors such as financial or housing insecurity, legal threats, bereavement, social isolation, and discrimination—can help identify both direct solutions (e.g., housing) and targeted interventions (e.g., bereavement support).
CIRH’s Refugee Health Support Team members, including Esra Saleh, MBBS, MPH, Rafiullah Sadiq, MD, MICHA, and Zarmina Wardak, will support this project. Research activities include:
Household survey: Open to the Afghan community members
Participants will receive $50 as a token of appreciation.
In-depth interviews: Open to Afghan community members and those who work closely with them
Participants will receive $100 as a token of appreciation.
[Download the flyer in English]
Focus group: Open to Afghan community members and those who work closely with the community
Participants will receive $100 as a token of appreciation.
[Download the flyer in English]
If you are interested in participating in the study, please email Esra Saleh at esaleh@phi.org and Rafiullah Sadiq at rsadiq@phi.org.
