Predictors of functional disability among African refugees and asylum seekers affected by a psychiatric condition.

Disability is a common outcome of psychiatric disorders and can significantly impact an individual's daily functioning and quality of life. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 is a standardized instrument used to assess disability across six domains: cognition, mobility, self-care, getting along, life activities, and participation. Research has shown that refugees with psychiatric diagnoses often experience high levels of disability. Refugees with a psychiatric diagnosis may experience additional challenges related to their displacement, including language barriers, cultural differences, and trauma exposure. However, little is known about the specific relationship between disability assessed with the WHODAS 2.0 and psychiatric symptoms in this population. Understanding this relationship is important for developing effective interventions to improve functioning and quality of life for this vulnerable population and implementing policies that support the mental health and well-being of refugees and asylum seekers.