Prevention strategies for Syrian and Eritrean status holders

Jannet M de Jonge1, Chico Taguba1, Sanne Geers1, Eveline Kruse1, Mirrian Hilbrink1 , Elske van Putten2 & Corine Latour1

1Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, 2 Jellinek Prevention

Background
Syrian and Eritrean refugees are a large part of the group young status holders in the Netherlands. Studies showed that they have mental health issues due to for example traumatic experiences in the home-country or during the flight or due to acculturation. Substances are used as self-medication. Culturally sensitive prevention materials about  substance abuse and mental disorders hardly reach these group. This gap might be a result of factors like health illiteracy in refugees, stigma on substance use and mental health problems or experiences with health agencies.

To aims of our project were

1) getting a clearer picture of the factors influencing this gap 

2) improving prevention strategies on substance use and mental health

Methods
In the period November 2021 to November 2024 we used design thinking methods (DTM) to co-create strategies with former refugees, experts and prevention professionals. The five steps of DTM are: empathizing with the refugees needs, defining their needs and problems, creating ideas, prototyping and testing solutions. 

To empathize we held one-on-one interviews with refugees, with experts and several focus groups meetings with Syrian and Eritrean refugees. These data were transcribed and analyzed with MAXQA. In meetings with refugees and prevention professionals personas were created. The DTM-tool persona is a fictional representation of a refugee based on data and insight. Students creative business and students communication and multimedia design were involved in co-creating improved prevention strategies. They developed prototypes that are currently tested.

Results
Outcome of the interviews and focus groups will be presented together with the personas of Syrian and Eritrean status holders. The protype and testing experiences of two prevention strategies will be presented: a digital tool for Syrians and non-digital one for Eritreans. 

Conclusion
Engaging with refugees takes time but is essential to get their input and feedback in improvement of prevention strategies.