Study Examines Substance Abuse, Mental Health Needs in Bosnian Community
Research project strives to address needs, provide connection to services
ST. LOUIS – Researchers from the Missouri Institute of Mental Health (MIMH) at the University of Missouri, Saint Louis University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville are conducting a study to examine substance abuse and mental health issues in the metropolitan St. Louis Bosnian community.
The study is funded by a $49,000 one-year grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) and is part of a multi-year effort supporting both broad-based and targeted projects addressing mental health and substance abuse issues.
The research project began in December 2008 and is headed by principal investigator Ajlina Karamehic-Muratovic, PhD, research assistant professor at the Missouri Institute of Mental Health and co-investigators Wai Hsien Cheah, PhD, assistant professor of speech communication at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and Hisako Matsuo, PhD, associate professor of research methodology at Saint Louis University.
The study, which seeks to identify the mental health and substance abuse needs of the Bosnian community, will provide information that can be used by health care providers and agencies to create culturally appropriate responses targeting community needs.
Karamehic-Muratovic said the ultimate goal of the project is to improve the health of Bosnian refugees in the St. Louis area, and that this could be achieved through getting past barriers that prevent making a connection to needed and available services.
"Language and cultural differences in attitudes about mental health and substance abuse may have been one of the major obstacles to meeting the needs of this community," Karamehic-Muratovic said. "By involving the community throughout the various stages, the project will make a difference and empower them."
The project has received widespread support from local Bosnian agencies and businesses as well as the Islamic Community Center, the Bosnian Media Group and the Association of the Survivors of the Serbrenica Genocide.
Contact the following to arrange an interview with a study researcher or for additional information.
Ajlina Karamehic-Muratovic, Missouri Institute of Mental Health at the University of Missouri
Contact: Natalie Fieleke, senior information specialist
Phone: (573) 884-7541
E-mail:
fieleken@health.missouri.edu
Wai Hsien Cheah, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Contact: Gregory Conroy, director of public affairs
Phone: (618) 650-3607
E-mail:
gconroy@siue.edu
Hisako Matsuo, Saint Louis University
Contact: Jeanette Grider, senior media specialist
Phone: (314) 977-2538
E-mail:
jgrider1@slu.edu
