RESEARCH SUMMARY

DR GLORY NJA
PRESENTER: AHMED MOHAMED OMAR
DEPT: MMED ENT
SOMALI REFUGEES' PERCEPTIONS OF MENTAL ILLNESS
Joanna E Bettmann, Deb Penney, Pamela Clarkson Freeman, Natalie Lecy
BACKGROUND
•Somali refugees constitute a significant portion of the
foreign-born population in the U.S., facing high rates
of mental illness and underutilization of mental health
services.
•Understanding their perceptions of mental illness and
treatment is crucial for developing effective
interventions tailored to their cultural beliefs and
practices.
AIM
• The aim of this pilot study was to explore Somali
refugees' perceptions of mental illness and its
treatments, focusing on their descriptions of
symptoms, stigma, causes, medical and non-
medical treatments, spiritual beliefs (such as spirit
possession), and the role of the Qur'an in healing.
 METHOD
•Sampling: Purposive sampling was used to select 20
Somali refugees.
•Data Collection: Semi-structured interviews were
conducted using an interview guide to explore
participants' perspectives on mental illness.
•Data Analysis: Qualitative analysis was employed to
identify themes and patterns in participants' narratives
regarding mental illness and its treatments.
RESULT
•Symptoms of Mental Illness: Participants described
physical symptoms accompanying mental illness, such as
headaches, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite.
•Stigma: Mental illness was associated with stigma and
social exclusion within the Somali community.
•Causes: Causes of mental illness included trauma from
war experiences, acculturation stress, and supernatural
beliefs like spirit possession.
•Treatments: Both medical treatments (such as
medications and therapy) and non-medical treatments
(including traditional healers and religious practices)
were discussed.
•Spiritual Beliefs: Some participants believed that
mental illness could be caused by spiritual factors and
could be treated through recitation of the Qur'an.
CONCLUSION
•The study highlights diverse perceptions among
Somali refugees regarding mental illness and its
treatments. Understanding these perceptions is crucial
for culturally competent mental health care delivery in
the U.S. Recommendations include integrating
traditional healing practices and religious beliefs into
mental health interventions to enhance accessibility
and effectiveness.
 STRENGTH
•Cultural Relevance: The study provides culturally specific
insights into Somali refugees' views on mental health.
•Qualitative Approach: Qualitative methods allowed for
in-depth exploration of participants' narratives and
experiences.
•Implications for Practice: Findings can inform the
development of culturally sensitive mental health services for
Somali refugees.
 WEAKNESS
•Sample Size: The small sample size (20 participants)
limits generalizability of findings.
•Bias: Purposive sampling may introduce bias, as
participants may not fully represent the diversity within
the Somali refugee population.
•Language Barriers: Language differences between
researchers and participants may have affected data
collection and interpretation.
SOMALIA: THIRTY YEARS AFTER
Ibrahim Farah
 BACKGROUND
•Somalia has faced persistent political instability since
the late 1990s, marked by conflicts among political
groups competing for power and resources.
•The Arta peace process attempted to address these
challenges, but the nation continues to grapple with
governance issues, security concerns, constitutional
reform, and reconciliation efforts.
•This article aims to assess Somalia's situation 30
years after these pivotal events, focusing on current
national priorities and the role of the "haan" (clan) in
Somali society.
AIM
•The aim of this article is to provide a brief assessment
of Somalia's progress and challenges three decades
after the Arta peace process.
•It seeks to discuss key issues on the Somali agenda,
highlight the significance of clan dynamics (haan),
and offer recommendations for addressing ongoing
governance and reconstruction efforts.
METHOD
•Literature Review: The article likely utilizes a
literature review approach to gather information on
Somalia's political history, the Arta peace process,
and subsequent developments.
•Expert Interviews: Insights from experts or
stakeholders familiar with Somalia's political
landscape may inform the analysis and
recommendations.
RESULT
•Political Landscape: Somalia remains politically
fragmented, with competing factions vying for power
and resources.

•National Priorities: Key priorities include security

enhancement, constitutional reform, and
reconciliation among clans.
•Role of Haan: The "haan" (clan) continues to
influence Somali politics and society, shaping
alliances and governance dynamics.

•Recommendations: Suggestions for enhancing

governance, promoting national unity, and addressing
socio-economic challenges.
CONCLUSION
•The article concludes that Somalia faces significant
challenges in governance and reconstruction,
exacerbated by political fragmentation and clan
dynamics.
•Effective leadership, inclusive governance structures,
and reconciliation efforts are crucial for sustainable
peace and development.
 STRENGTH
•Comprehensive Assessment: The article provides a
thorough analysis of Somalia's political landscape and
ongoing challenges.
•Policy Recommendations: Offers practical
recommendations to address governance issues and
promote national reconciliation.
•Cultural Insight: Highlights the role of clan dynamics
(haan) in Somali politics, providing cultural context to
political analysis.
 WEAKNESS
•Bias and Perspective: Depending on sources and
viewpoints, the article may reflect biases or limited
perspectives on Somalia's complex political dynamics.
•Generalization: Findings and recommendations may not
fully capture the diversity of opinions and experiences
within Somalia's diverse communities.
•Data Limitations: Lack of current or comprehensive
data on certain aspects of Somalia's political and social
dynamics may limit the depth of analysis.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL
DEGRADATION, AGRICULTURAL CROPS, AND
LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN SOMALIA
Abdimalik Ali Warsame, Jama Mohamed, Abdinur Ali Mohamed
 BACKGROUND
•Climate change poses a significant threat globally,
impacting both developing and developed nations. Various
sectors, including agriculture, contribute to environmental
degradation, exacerbating climate change.
•In Somalia, agriculture is a critical sector, with crops like
maize, sesame, sorghum, and wheat, alongside livestock
production, playing vital roles. This study investigates the
impact of agricultural practices on environmental
degradation in Somalia from 1985 to 2017.
AIM

•The aim of this study is to model and analyze the role

of agricultural crop and livestock production in
environmental degradation in Somalia, identifying the
long- and short-run relationships between these
variables.
 METHOD
•Data Period: The study covers the period from 1985 to 2017.
•Analytical Models:
 Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL): Used to
determine the long-run cointegration between environmental
degradation and agricultural variables.
 Vector Error Correction Modeling (VECM): Applied to
identify short- and long-run causalities among the variables.
•Variables: Agricultural crops (maize, sesame, sorghum, wheat) and
livestock production.
RESULT
•Long-Run Cointegration: There is a significant long-
run relationship between environmental degradation,
agricultural crops, and livestock production.
•Impact on Environmental Degradation:
 Maize, sesame, sorghum, and livestock production
contribute to increased environmental degradation.
 Wheat production has a beneficial role in reducing
environmental degradation in the long run.
 RESULT
Short-Run Causality (VECM Results):
Sorghum production influences livestock production.
Environmental degradation, sesame, sorghum, and wheat
productions impact maize production in both the short and
long run.
Sesame production affects sorghum production in the short
run.
Long-run causality is observed from environmental
degradation, maize, sesame, livestock, and wheat production
to sorghum production.
CONCLUSION
•The study concludes that most agricultural practices
in Somalia contribute to environmental degradation,
with the exception of wheat production, which
mitigates it in the long run. Policymakers in Somalia
should develop sustainable agricultural policies that
balance the growing food demand with
environmental sustainability.
STRENGTH
•Comprehensive Analysis: The use of both ARDL
and VECM provides a robust analysis of long- and
short-run relationships.
•Policy Relevance: The study offers valuable
insights for policymakers to develop sustainable
agricultural practices.
•Long Time Frame: The data spanning over three
decades provides a thorough understanding of trends
and impacts.
 WEAKNESS
•Data Limitations: The study's reliance on historical data
may not capture recent changes or advancements in
agricultural practices.
•Specificity to Somalia: The findings may be specific to
Somalia and may not be generalizable to other regions with
different agricultural and environmental contexts.
•Complex Causality: The intricate causal relationships
identified may require more detailed investigation to fully
understand the underlying mechanisms.
THANK YOU!