Undocumented migrants in the Netherlands: adverse life events, living conditions and mental health

Background Undocumented migrants have worse health and living conditions and poor access to health care. Aims and objectives To examine the prevalence and determinants of mental health problems in undocumented migrants. Design Observational study, integrating cross-sectional questionnaire data with retrospective electronic patient record data. Methods Undocumented migrants attending medical and psychological consultation hours of a Netherlands-based non-governmental organization, completed the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ). We examined scores of the instrument’s 24 items version (SRQ-24) and its 20 items version (SRQ-20). Correlations with determinants were estimated using parametric tests. Results On the SRQ-20, 85% of the sample (N=101) scored ≥8, the clinical cut-off value; mean=12.4 ± 4.6, range 0-20. Adverse life events like physical and sexual assault were reported in 37% of the medical records (N=99) and had a medium to large effect (Cohen’s d=0.76) on SRQ-24 scores. Discussion Mental health problems are common in undocumented migrants. Adverse life-events are critical determinants. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Clinical Trial Our study was an observational study, combining questionnaire data with retrospective electronic patient record data. Therefore, this study was not registered as a clinical trial. ### Funding Statement No funding was received ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: Medical Research Ethics Committee of UMC Utrecht (Medisch Ethische Toetsingscommissie van het UMC Utrecht). Secretary: Dr. W.A. Groenewegen. All necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material as supplementary files, if applicable. Yes The data are available upon request after contacting the authors. J. Vermeulen (j.m.vermeulen{at}amc.uva.nl) or K. Bolhuis (k.bolhuis{at}erasmusmc.nl)