Understanding the Trajectories of Common Mental Disorders and Symptoms in Humanitarian Migrants and a Cross-sectional Comparison with the Host Population in Australia

This thesis investigates the trajectories of common mental disorders and symptoms among humanitarian migrants, comparing their mental health status to the host population in Australia. Through systematic reviews and longitudinal data analysis, applying advanced analytical techniques to existing data collected over five years, and synthesising findings to inform future policy. The findings highlighted that mental health symptoms persisted without substantial decline in humanitarian migrants following resettlement in Australia. Higher rates of psychological distress were reported in women experiencing socioeconomic hardship, as well as both sexes reporting poor self-rated health, underscoring the moderating role of socioeconomic and other health factors.