Measuring the Gap in Forced Migrant Health: Spatial, Social, and Structural Determinants of Morbidity and Mortality in Transit

Abstract

As the number of forced migrants continues to increase, data are needed to address the lacuna in our understanding of the determinants of health during the transit phase of migration. This dissertation explores the spatial, social, and structural determinants of health among forced migrants in transit. In the first chapter, spatial-temporal clusters of forced migrant mortality are identified. The second chapter explores the mental health of forced migrants in the most recent cluster of migrant mortality, including Greece. Finally, the third chapter evaluates the validity of a sequential process for depression screening among forced migrants in a refugee camp setting. Together, these analyses demonstrate the non-random spatial-temporal distribution of forced migrant deaths, a high prevalence of major depressive disorder and associated social and structural risk factors, and the feasibility of a sequential screening process for major depressive disorder among this growing population.