Theses (MSc. Public Health)

Introduction: Psychological distress is a major problem of present era discussed extensively in many refugee literatures. It is reported that 84% of Rohingya had been emotionally distressed. In spite of that, individuals who cope effectively with such situations can move from having psychological distress to being well. Limited research work has been carried out on the psychological distress of the Rohingya refugees and how they cope with their distress. Objective: To determine the prevalence, determinants of psychological distress and the coping strategies among the Rohingya Refugees in Klang, Malaysia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 227 Rohingya Refugees in Klang, Malaysia in March 2015. Psychological distress was assessed by using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Factors associated with psychological distress were assessed using a 24-item questionnaire grouped into three main themes namely the work related factors, personal and family related factors as well as security and protection related factors. The validated Brief COPE inventory was used to assess coping strategies. Data collection was by face to face interview. Univariate and Multivariate analysis were used to determine associations, and p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of psychological distress among Rohingya refugees in Klang was 70.9%. Determinants of Psychological distress among Rohingya Refugees revealed using the multiple logistic regression analysis include employment status (OR = 2.828, 95% CI=1.291–6.197, p = 0.009), overcrowded living conditions (OR = 0.164, 95% CI=0.068–0.397, p < 0.001), behavioural disengagement coping strategy (OR = 15.759, 95% CI=2.028–122.4, p = 0.008) and acceptance coping strategy (OR = 8.369, 95% CI=2.209–31.706, p = 0.002). (p-value <0.05).The most commonly used coping strategies by the Rohingya refugees to deal with their psychological distress were religion, positive reinterpretation, acceptance, and active coping. Conclusion: This study confirmed the magnitude of psychological distress experienced by Rohingya refugees in Klang Malaysia. In order, to reduce the levels of psychological distress among the Rohingya refugees the multiple factors that affect it should be taken into account. In addition to that, utilization of effective coping strategies among Rohingya refugees might improve their psychological health. These points should be taken into consideration for improving the training professionals who may encounter Rohingya Refugees. Keywords: Psychological Distress, Coping Strategies, Refugees, Distress, Rohingya

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the level of stress among postgraduate students who are employed, to determine factors associated with stress in relation to sociodemographic, study-related factors and work-related factors, and finally to identify the coping mechanism associated with stress among them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 197 postgraduate students that are working, recruited from International Medical University (IMU), Sega University and Open University Malaysia (OUM). Sources of stress were assessed using a 12-item questionnaire. Stress was assessed by using the validated Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10) questionnaire. Finally, Brief COPE inventory (28 items) was used to assess coping strategies among the students. Results: Majority of the students (82.5%) were found to possess medium stress, and (6.2%) reported high stress, and (11.3%) of the students described low stress. Significant predictors of stress were employment (P = 0.016), academic stressors (P < 0.001), and personal stressors (P = 0.012). The coping strategies that are associated with stress were Problem-focused coping (P<0.001), Emotional-focused coping (P<0.001), and Avoidant Coping (P = 0.001). vi Conclusion: Stressors determined to be associated with stress among postgraduate students that are employed are employment (self-employed), academic, and personal stressors. The coping strategies found to be associated with stress are problem-focused coping, emotional-focused coping, and avoidant coping styles. Further studies to explore the role and utilisation of counselling are required. Key words: Stress, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Brief COPE inventory