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Cited by 5Migration, Health and TraumaMigration and Exile StudiesEducation and experiences of immigrants and refugees

Exploring trauma and resilience of Urban South Sudanese refugees in Sudan

Open access
Bashir, Shima, Eltayeb, Shahla, Badri, Alia·2024·Comparative Migration Studies
DOI 10.1186/s40878-024-00415-x
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Abstract

This study aims to explore the lived experiences of South Sudanese refugees in White Nile state, Sudan, focusing on the impact of pre-refugee life, war-related trauma, and current camp conditions on their mental health. Additionally, it aims to emphasize the strategies used by refugees to cope with challenges and highlight deficiencies in services offered by humanitarian agencis. The study used a qualitative analysis approach and conducted in-depth interviews with 15 refugees from South Sudan residing in White Nile State refugee camps in Sudan. Participants were recruited from the two refugee camps, ensuring diversity in age and gender. All focus group discussions were audio-recorded, and detailed transcripts were generated. The transcribed data were subjected to thematic analysis. The investigation revealed a number of patterns. First, participants recalled a pre-refugee life marked by safety, joy, and community cohesion, which sharply contrasted with their subsequent experiences of violence and displacement. Furthermore, refugees have conveyed substantial psychological distress resulting from their exposure to violence, suffering physical mistreatment, and the loss of their dear ones. These experiences have left profound psychological trauma and feelings of anxiety. Furthermore, the existing circumstances in the refugee camps intensified their psychological distress, as they faced challenges in having access to basic needs, job, schooling, and preserving their cultural traditions. Coping strategies of the refugees predominantly relied on cultural practices, family support, and religious prayer. By incorporating refugees’ resilience and community engagement as factors that promote long-term stability in South Sudanese refugee communities, this study underscores the urgent need for humanitarian organizations to redesign a more holistic approach that includes immediate mental health needs, socioeconomic factors, educational accessibility, and gainful employment. Ultimately, this study advocates a paradigm shift in humanitarian efforts to prioritize mental health services for refugees by addressing the interlinked nature of mental health and broader socioeconomic factors.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This qualitative study explores lived experiences of South Sudanese refugees in White Nile state, Sudan, linking pre-refugee life, war-related trauma, camp stressors, and coping/resilience. It argues humanitarian responses should integrate mental health with socioeconomic, educational, and employment support.

Key findings

  • Participants recalled a pre-refugee life marked by safety, joy, family gatherings, farm work, and community cohesion, which contrasted sharply with violence, displacement, physical mistreatment, and loss.
  • All members of both focus groups indicated various levels of psychological distress, with some describing clear symptoms of depression and PTSD; nine participants witnessed the sudden death of a family member or close relative.
  • Camp conditions intensified distress through limited access to basic needs, employment, schooling, and cultural traditions; coping relied predominantly on cultural practices, family support, and religious prayer.
  • The study calls for a paradigm shift in humanitarian efforts to prioritize mental health services while addressing interlinked socioeconomic factors.

Methods

  • Phenomenological qualitative design in two randomly selected refugee camps, AlRedes and UmSangor, in White Nile state, Sudan, with a total population of 8,800 residents.
  • 15 South Sudanese refugees completed all three rounds of focus group discussions; participants were recruited for diversity in age and gender, with 18 initially invited and 15 ultimately completing.
  • Audio-recorded discussions were transcribed and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, with member checking to enhance trustworthiness.

Limitations

  • Stated: findings are context-specific and may not directly apply to other refugee groups or settings with different mental health needs, sociocultural backgrounds, and war-related traumas; the study’s cutoff date may restrict applicability to recent developments.
  • Evident: the sample is small (15 participants from two camps), and the qualitative focus-group design limits generalizability and cannot establish prevalence or causal relationships.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1186/s40878-024-00415-x

Cites

26 of 26 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

6 of 27 cited sources checked · 1 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Among South Sudanese refugees, studies consistently show that ongoing challenges of life in camps play a crucial role in shaping mental health outcomes.

    “This perspective is particularly pronounced among South Sudanese refugees, where studies (Hynie, 2018;Mak 2021;Tutlam 2022) consistently show that the ongoing challenges of life in camps play a crucial role in shaping mental health outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Hynie, 2018 source

      The passage labeled Abstract says that refugees in camps in low-income countries have high rates of anxiety and depression, reflecting stressful camp conditions. It does not identify South Sudanese refugees or establish that studies consistently find this pattern specifically among them. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Mak 2021 source

      The Discussion links poverty, inadequate support after resettlement, and chronic traumatic stress to mental and relational health among Cambodian immigrant families. It does not address South Sudanese refugees or the ongoing challenges of life in camps, so it cannot support those specific parts of the claim. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Tutlam 2022

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Findingown data

    Childhood memories among participants were immersed in pleasant moments, family gatherings, farm work, and animal care.

    “Childhood memories were immersed in pleasant moments, family gatherings, farm work, and animal care.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Among South Sudanese refugees in White Nile camps, narratives of pre-refugee life focused on a safe, cheerful, quiet, and happy prewar life in South Sudan, contrasting with later violence and displacement.

    “First, participants recalled a pre-refugee life marked by safety, joy, and community cohesion, which sharply contrasted with their subsequent experiences of violence and displacement.”
    • Also stated in: § Theme 1: Pre-refugee Life · plain
      “Collectively the narratives of pre-refugee life among this sample of South Sudanese focused on a safe, cheerful, quiet, and happy prewar life in villages in South Sudan.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Refugees conveyed substantial psychological distress resulting from exposure to violence, physical mistreatment, and loss of loved ones.

    “Furthermore, refugees have conveyed substantial psychological distress resulting from their exposure to violence, suffering physical mistreatment, and the loss of their dear ones.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    For some, acceptance comes after a long period of disappointment as they confront harsh realities of post-flight life, which turn out to be considerably more difficult than anticipated.

    “For some, acceptance comes after a long period of disappointment as they confront the harsh realities of post-flight life, which turn out to be considerably more difficult than they had anticipated”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 36
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 25

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Sudan has limited and unequally distributed mental health services, with most psychiatric service centers in Khartoum and few psychiatrists working in rural areas.

    “Most psychiatric service centers are in Khartoum, the capital, which has six psychiatric hospitals.”
    • Also stated in: § Literature review · plain
      “The distribution of mental health professionals shows significant disparity, with few psychiatrists working in rural areas, which includes two-thirds of Sudan's population (Osman 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Osman 2019 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Integrating traditional practices and community support is crucial in their adaptive processes and effective coping, and emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant interventions in the mental health care of South Sudanese refugees.

    “Integrating traditional practices and community support is crucial in their adaptive processes and effective coping, and emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant interventions in the mental health care of South Sudanese refugees (Adaku 2016;Eltayeb 2017;Maconick 2020).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Adaku 2016 source

      The Results and discussion (Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions; page unavailable) identify social support, elders, church leaders, and community problem-solving as coping strategies. The Conclusions recommend strengthening community and family supports. Traditional treatments appear only among options reported in a prior qualitative study; this assessment does not establish that integrating them is crucial to effective coping or recommend their integration into mental health care. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Eltayeb 2017 source
    • cites Maconick 2020 source

      The Conclusions (page not supplied) call for culturally relevant care that draws on pre-existing coping mechanisms, and the Discussion suggests peer support and community-based services. But the study concerns Syrian refugees in Jordan; it does not establish that integrating traditional practices and community support is crucial to effective coping among South Sudanese refugees. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Studies indicate that incorporating refugees' resilience and community involvement into humanitarian organizations' programs may produce a more effective mental health treatment modality within these low-threshold support systems.

    “Studies indicate that incorporating refugees' resilience and community involvement into humanitarian organizations' programs may produce a more effective mental health treatment modality within these lowthreshold support systems (Fajth 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Fajth 2019 source

      The Conclusion (page unavailable) recommends greater social interaction between refugees and local communities and continued organizational support. It does not discuss refugees’ resilience, mental health treatment, or whether community involvement improves treatment in low-threshold support systems. (LLM, conf=0.79)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Participants described that sharing and discussing problems with family enhanced their ability to cope with pre- and post-flight adversities and increased their well-being.

    “Participants described that sharing and discussing problems with family enhanced their ability to cope with pre-and post-flight adversities and increased their well-being:”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Amidst these multifaceted challenges, these South Sudanese refugees were notably resilient and strove for emotional control and well-being.

    “Amidst these multifaceted challenges, these South Sudanese refugees were notably resilient and strove for emotional control and well-being.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    More than ten participants from the same tribe live in one tent which also includes many children who lost their parents in war or were dead.

    “More than ten participants from the same tribe live in one tent which also includes many children who lost their parents in war or were dead:”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    With adaptation and acceptance of circumstances including feelings of uncertainty about the future, these South Sudanese refugees have slowly progressed in the integration process, allowing some participants to focus on building their lives in the camp.

    “Finally, with adaptation and an acceptance of circumstances including feelings of uncertainty about the future, these refugee South Sudanese have slowly progressed in the integration process allowing some participants to focus on building their lives in the camp.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Limited educational opportunities exist due to language barrier, with schools in Arabic and the one English school in a different camp far to be reached.

    “and limited educational opportunities:”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Childcare is often shared among all adults within a family, or sometimes the community at large, as opposed to singular parents, emphasizing an existential meaning in community responsibility, attachment, safety, and self-identity.

    “Childcare is often shared among all adults within a family, or sometimes the community at large, as opposed to singular parents, emphasizing an existential meaning in community responsibility, attachment, safety, and self-identity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    These experiences left profound psychological trauma and feelings of anxiety.

    “These experiences have left profound psychological trauma and feelings of anxiety.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Only after camp authorities interfered her fate is uncertain, as she was taken away from the camp, leaving locals puzzled about her institutionalization and its consequences.

    “Only after camp authorities interfered her fate is uncertain, as she was taken away from the camp, leaving locals puzzled about her institutionalization and its consequences.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Sudden death, repeated losses of family members and close relatives, violence, injuries, and witnessing severely traumatizing events during war conflict and after violence exacerbated the psychological effects of the participants.

    “Sudden death, repeated losses of family members and close relatives, violence, injuries, and witnessing severely traumatizing events both during war conflict and after violence has occurred have exacerbated the psychological effects of the participants.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Kosti city is resource-poor, creating barriers in accessing meaningful employment, poor treatment in the workplace, and poverty.

    “Furthermore, Kosti city is resource-poor which created a whole set of barriers and challenges in accessing meaningful employment, poor treatment in the workplace, and poverty”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Others felt reluctant to seek help for their mental health concerns, based on sociocultural factors including sharing mental health difficulties with strangers, extensive stigma, culturally inappropriate addressing of needs, and accessibility challenges.

    “Others felt reluctant to seek help for their mental health concerns, based on sociocultural factors including sharing mental health difficulties with”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Participants were overwhelmed with many symptoms related to past experiences, although sharing emotions was very difficult.

    “Participants were overwhelmed with a lot of symptoms related to past experiences, although sharing emotions was very difficult:”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    A female suffering from psychosis in the camp instilled fear in people, particularly children, who would react fearfully when they saw her.

    “Her presence in the camp instilled fear in people, particularly children, who would react fearfully when they saw her.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Still others felt at home and had a sense of belonging in the camp after recovering from extremely distressing war-related experiences.

    “Still others felt at home and had a sense of belonging in the camp after recovering from extremely distressing war-related experiences:”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The image of her making mud and decorating the tent's entrance with simple items evoked strong emotion, symbolic of the cottages in my village; her artistic expression became a source of hope and strengthened my belief that I could overcome these difficult conditions.

    “The image of her making mud and decorating the tent's entrance with these simple items evoked strong emotion, symbolic of the cottages in my village.Her artistic expression became a source of hope, and strengthened my belief that I could overcome these difficult conditions”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    One participant shared a heartwarming story about an old female who decided to decorate her UNHCR white tent with little stones and date seeds.

    “One participant shared a heartwarming story about an old female who decided to decorate her UNHCR white tent with little stones and date seeds.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Making sense of their past experiences and current feelings were important elements in acknowledging that while they cannot be undone their adversities are an important part of their journey.

    “Making sense of their past experiences and current feelings were important elements in acknowledging that while they cannot be undone their adversities are an important part of their journey:”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Along with the refusal to accept services that do not align with their belief system, avoidant and withdrawal strategies are common.

    “Along with the refusal to accept services that do not align with their belief system, avoidant and withdrawal strategies are common.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In European refugee camps, multidisciplinary teams often include psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and specialized trauma therapists, operating within a well-coordinated framework supported by national health protocols and international standards.

    “For instance, in European refugee camps, multidisciplinary teams often include psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and specialized trauma therapists.The teams operate within a well-coordinated framework supported by national health protocols and international standards (Perera 2021).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Perera 2021

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The analysis process included member checking to ensure accuracy and credibility of findings; a subset of participants reviewed findings to confirm they resonated with their experiences, enhancing trustworthiness.

    “The analysis process included member checking, to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the findings.A subset of participants reviewed the findings to confirm that they resonated with their experiences, thereby enhancing the trustworthiness of the results.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Silove (2017) focused on adaptation and development following traumatic experiences, in which opportunities for personal growth and development are significantly affected by environment, social support availability, and meaningful activities.

    “Silove (2017) focused on adaptation and development following traumatic experiences, in which opportunities for personal growth and development are significantly affected by an individual's environment, social support availability, and meaningful activities that promote a sense of purpose and achievement.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Silove (2017)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Consequently, psychiatric management of patients relies heavily on local resources and initiatives, leading to inconsistent and often inadequate care.

    “Consequently, the psychiatric management of patients relies heavily on local resources and initiatives, leading to inconsistent and often inadequate care.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The referral pathway from refugee camps to local psychiatric hospitals or specialized trauma services is poorly defined and lacks proper coordination.
    • Rests on an assumption: Government protocols do not support the provision of psychological services for refugees.
    • Rests on an assumption: The Sudanese Red Crescent typically transfers patients to a local hospital where there is a lack of psychiatrists, resulting in treatment by emergency doctors or house officers who may not have specialized mental health training.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    These models emphasize the multifaceted nature of coping, including cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strategies.

    “These models emphasize the multifaceted nature of coping, which includes cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strategies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Keles (2016) and Riber (2017)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Once resettled in a camp, refugees may experience four major types of stress: traumatic stress, acculturative stress, resettlement stress, and isolation.

    “Once resettled in a camp, refugees may experience four major types of stress: traumatic stress, acculturative stress, resettlement stress, and isolation (Abur, 2018(Abur, , 2020)).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Abur, 2018(Abur, , 2020)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These social issues exacerbate the mental health challenges South Sudanese refugees encounter, necessitating comprehensive interventions.

    “These social issues further exacerbate the mental health challenges that South Sudanese refugees encounter in the humanitarian situation, necessitating comprehensive interventions to address the longer-term challenges of education, livelihood, mental health services, and psychosocial support systems to foster resilience and well-being among this displaced population.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Refugee camps in Sudan offer safe haven but present multifaceted challenges due to limited resources.

    “Although refugee camps in Sudan offer a safe haven for thousands of asylum seekers, they also present a new set of multifaceted challenges and struggles due to their limited resources (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Refugees exposed to multiple traumatic incidents also experience high rates of depression and other anxiety disorders, which do not go away when resettled in camps.

    “However, refugees exposed to multiple traumatic incidents also experience high rates of depression and other anxiety disorders (Copeland, 2018), which do not go away when they are resettled in camps.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Copeland, 2018

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The transcribed data were subjected to thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's (2006) approach, a systematic and transparent process of coding, categorizing, and theme development.

    “The transcribed data were subjected to thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke's (2006) approach, which involves a systematic and transparent process of coding, categorizing, and theme development.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Braun and Clarke's (2006) source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Models demonstrating how social support, positive relationships, and effective coping strategies contribute to resilience and recovery emphasize the importance of social networks in mitigating traumatic stress.

    “Models demonstrating how social support, positive relationships, and effective coping strategies contribute to resilience and recovery emphasize the importance of social networks in mitigating the impact of traumatic stress (Bonanno, 2004;Hobfoll et al., 2007;Masten, 2001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bonanno, 2004;Hobfoll et al., 2007;Masten, 2001

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Trained moderators utilized a semi-structured interview guide to maintain consistency across groups and ensure key topics were addressed.

    “The trained moderators utilized the semi-structured interview guide to maintain consistency across the groups and ensure that key topics were addressed during the focus group discussions (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Keles (2016) and Riber (2017) provided comprehensive frameworks for understanding coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of trauma.

    “Keles (2016) and Riber (2017) have provided comprehensive frameworks for understanding coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of trauma.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Keles (2016) and Riber (2017)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The influx of South Sudanese refugees magnified the socioeconomic fragility of host states, creating challenges related to educational and economic opportunities, mental health issues, and psychosocial support needs.

    “This influx has magnified the socioeconomic fragility of these states in the host country, creating myriad challenges related to educational and economic opportunities, mental health issues, and psychosocial support needs (International Rescue Committee 2018).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites International Rescue Committee 2018

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Sarkadi (2018) highlighted the importance of safety, attachment, identity, and existential meaning in recovery.

    “Sarkadi (2018) highlighted the importance of safety, attachment, identity, and existential meaning in recovery.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sarkadi (2018)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Forced displacement often exacerbates preexisting psychiatric issues and precipitates new mental health difficulties.

    “Forced displacement often exacerbates preexisting psychiatric issues and precipitates new mental health difficulties (Bulik & Colucci, 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bulik & Colucci, 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Participants were recruited from two refugee camps, ensuring diversity in age and gender.

    “Participants were recruited from the two refugee camps, ensuring diversity in age and gender.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Practical resources that facilitate coping and adaptation lead to adversity-acquired development wherein individuals recover and achieve personal growth and development.

    “In addition, practical resources that facilitate coping and adaptation lead to adversity-acquired development wherein individuals recover and achieve personal growth and development (Papadopoulos, 2009(Papadopoulos, , 2011)).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Papadopoulos, 2009(Papadopoulos, , 2011)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Initially eighteen potential participants were given an information sheet and consent form; ultimately 15 South Sudanese refugees completed all three rounds of meetings.

    “Initially, eighteen potential participants were given an information sheet to read and a consent form to sign; ultimately 15 South Sudanese refugees completed all three rounds of meetings.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Family separation, ethnic conflicts within refugee camps, poverty, substance abuse, and unaccompanied minors have resulted from displacement.

    “Additionally, family separation, ethnic conflicts within refugee camps, poverty, and issues such as substance abuse and unaccompanied minors have all resulted from displacement (Adaku 2016;Fakih, 2023).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Adaku 2016;Fakih, 2023

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Studies such as Silove et al. (2017) and Tol et al. (2020) highlight that effective mental health interventions must address both the historical traumas refugees have experienced and the daily stressors they currently face.

    “Studies such as those by Silove et al. (2017) and Tol et al. (2020) highlight that effective mental health interventions must address both the historical traumas refugees have experienced and the daily stressors they currently face.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Silove et al. (2017)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Tol et al. (2020)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    The findings are context-specific and may not be directly applicable to other refugee groups or settings with different mental health needs, sociocultural backgrounds, and war-related traumas.

    “The findings are context-specific and may not be directly applicable to other refugee groups or settings with different mental health needs, sociocultural backgrounds, and war-related traumas.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Simply treating past traumas without addressing ongoing stressors may provide temporary relief but may not lead to sustainable mental health improvements.

    “Simply treating past traumas without addressing ongoing stressors may provide temporary relief but may not lead to sustainable mental health improvements.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    The study's cutoff date may restrict the applicability of its findings to the most recent developments and changes in the context of South Sudanese refugees in Sudan.

    “The study's cutoff date may restrict the applicability of its findings to the most recent developments and changes in the context of South Sudanese refugees in Sudan.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These daily stressors not only exacerbate existing psychological distress but also create new sources of anxiety and hopelessness among refugees.

    “These daily stressors not only exacerbate existing psychological distress but also create new sources of anxiety and hopelessness among refugees.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The camp conditions described (overcrowded living conditions, limited access to basic amenities, inadequate healthcare, food insecurity, and constant threat of violence or exploitation) are characteristic of the study setting.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Research in various conflict zones supports the necessity of a dual-focus approach by humanitarian organizations.

    “Research in various conflict zones supports the necessity of a dual-focus approach by humanitarian organizations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These strategies not only help them manage immediate distress, but also contribute to long-term resilience.

    “These strategies not only help them manage immediate distress, but also contribute to long-term resilience.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationnone given

    Despite limitations, the study offers valuable insights into the war exposures, life in Sudanese refugee camps, mental health, and coping strategies of South Sudanese refugees, which can inform future research and culturally specific interventions in similar contexts.

    “Despite these limitations, the study offers valuable insights into the war exposures, life in Sudanese refugee camps, mental health, and coping strategies of South Sudanese refugees, which can inform future research and culturally specific interventions in similar contexts.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The findings underscore the impact of sociocultural factors on health-seeking behaviors, resilience, and overall sense of belonging, purpose, and meaning among refugees, and the complex interplay between them.

    “The findings underscore the impact of sociocultural factors on the health-seeking behaviors, resilience, and an overall sense of belonging, purpose, and meaning among refugees, and the complex interplay between them.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Participants' self-reported symptoms were sufficiently valid to identify clear symptoms of depression and PTSD.
    • Rests on an assumption: Participants' retrospective accounts of traumatic events accurately reflect their past experiences.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Scarcity and challenges may exacerbate major barriers to accessibility in low-resource settings.

    “Scarcity and challenges may exacerbate major barriers to accessibility in low-resource settings (Eltayeb et al., 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Eltayeb et al., 2017 source
51 of 51

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    South Sudanese people who experienced conflict and lived in difficult situations such as refugee camps for long periods are more likely to have experienced repeated trauma, intense fear, helplessness, and horror.

    “South Sudanese people who experienced conflict and lived in difficult situations, such as refugee camps for long periods of time, are more likely to have experienced repeated trauma, intense fear, helplessness, and even horror.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The referral pathway from refugee camps to local psychiatric hospitals or specialized trauma services is poorly defined and lacks proper coordination.

    “The referral pathway from refugee camps to local psychiatric hospitals or specialized trauma services is poorly defined and lacks proper coordination.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Government protocols do not support the provision of psychological services for refugees.

    “Additionally, government protocols do not support the provision of psychological services for refugees.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The Sudanese Red Crescent typically transfers patients to a local hospital where there is a lack of psychiatrists, resulting in treatment by emergency doctors or house officers who may not have specialized mental health training.

    “In such instances, the Sudanese Red Crescent typically transfers the patient to a local hospital, where there is a lack of psychiatrists, resulting in the patient being treated by emergency doctors or house officers who may not have specialized training in mental health care.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Mental health care services are predominantly accessible in urban areas.

    “Mental health care services are predominantly accessible in urban areas.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Participants' self-reported symptoms were sufficiently valid to identify clear symptoms of depression and PTSD.

    “All members of both groups indicated various levels of psychological distress, with some describing clear symptoms of depression and PTSD, leading to the referral of those cases to psychological services.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The camp conditions described (overcrowded living conditions, limited access to basic amenities, inadequate healthcare, food insecurity, and constant threat of violence or exploitation) are characteristic of the study setting.

    “These include overcrowded living conditions, limited access to basic amenities like clean water and sanitation, inadequate healthcare, food insecurity, and the constant threat of violence or exploitation.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Participants' retrospective accounts of traumatic events accurately reflect their past experiences.

    “The participants' stories focused on traumatic events associated with loss.”
8 of 8

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • A quoted 42-year-old man is absent from the participant table

    Minor

    The findings attribute a statement to a 42-year-old man, but the table lists the only 42-year-old participant as female.

  • A quoted 25-year-old woman conflicts with the participant table

    Minor

    The findings identify this speaker as a 25-year-old woman, but the table lists the only 25-year-old participant as male.

  • Participant described as female is identified as male in the same passage

    Minor

    The introduction to the quotation describes the participant as female, while the attribution immediately after the quotation identifies the participant as male.

  • Abstract describes interviews, but methods describe focus groups

    Minor

    The abstract says the study conducted in-depth interviews with 15 refugees, whereas the methods describe recruiting participants for focus group discussions and conducting three rounds of meetings.

  • A quoted 46-year-old woman conflicts with the participant table

    Minor

    The findings identify this speaker as female, but the table lists the only 46-year-old participant as male.

  • Quoted 21-year-old participant is absent from the participant table

    Minor

    The findings quote a 21-year-old man, but none of the 15 participants in the demographic table is 21.

6 of 6

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

2 of the 28 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 11

  1. Abur, W. (2018). Stressors in refugee resettlement. Journal of Refugee Studies, 31(2), 299–315.
  2. Abur, W. (2020). Acculturation and mental health: Insights from refugee experiences. Journal of Refugee Studies, 33(4), 601–622.
  3. Bulik, C. M., & Colucci, E. (2019). The psychological impact of forced displacement. Mental Health Journal, 15(1), 45–60.
  4. International Rescue Committee (IRC). (2018). Housing and shelter needs in White Nile. Retrieved from IRC Reports.
  5. Keles, S. (2016). Coping mechanisms in traumatic experiences. Journal of Trauma Studies, 8(3), 345–358.
  6. Papadopoulos, R. K. (2011). The impact of forced migration on mental health. In D. Ingleby (Ed.), Forced migration and mental health (pp. 11–28). Springer.
  7. Riber, K. (2017). Resilience in the face of trauma. Trauma Psychology, 5(2), 199–210.
  8. Saldana, J. (2016). The coding manual for qualitative researchers. Sage.
  9. Sarkadi, A. (2018). The role of safety and attachment in recovery from trauma. Journal of Psychological Research, 12(1), 85–95.
  10. Trithart, S. (2019). Mental health challenges in refugee camps. Refugee Studies Quarterly, 37(1), 101–120.
  11. Trithart, A. (2022). Stuck in crisis: The humanitarian response to Sudan’s health emergency. International Peace Institute.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Bashir, S., Eltayeb, S., & Badri, A.
Affiliations
  • Ahfad University for Women (SD)
  • Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (SA)
Corresponding author
Eltayeb, Shahla
ORCID
Eltayeb, Shahla
Venue
Comparative Migration Studies
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2024-12-23
Volume
12
Issue
1
ISSN
2214-594X (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1186/s40878-024-00415-x
OpenAlex
W4405702203
Cited by
5
References
28
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 1
FWCI
2.48
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Comparative Migration Studies (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Migration, Health and Trauma
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Migration and Exile Studies
  • Social Sciences › Education › Education and experiences of immigrants and refugees
Keywords
South Sudanese refugees, refugee mental health, war trauma, resilience, refugee camps, coping strategies, humanitarian service, displacement

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-07.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-07.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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