Purpose
Forced migration increases vulnerability to exploitation. Globally, around 50 million people are affected by human trafficking, which often involves trauma with negative mental health effects. Forced migrants already face elevated risks of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, yet the specific impact of trafficking on their mental health remains unclear.
Methods
Symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and overall stress were assessed using standardized screening instruments (PC-PTSD-5, PHQ-4, and the Distress Thermometer). Experiences of human trafficking were measured with a modified version of the Adult Human Trafficking Screening Tool (AHTST) among forced migrants in Germany. Missing data were handled using multiple imputation. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between human trafficking and positive screenings for the respective mental health conditions.
Results
A total of N = 1.284 forced migrants participated in the study. Depending on the imputation model, between 49% and 56% of all participants screened positive for PTSD, 60% to 71% for depression, and 41% to 52% for an anxiety disorder. Among participants who screened positive for these mental health conditions, a positive screen for human trafficking was associated with a 15.4% to 20.6% higher probability of PTSD, a 15% to 20% higher probability of depression, and an 8.7% to 11.6% higher probability of an anxiety disorder.
Conclusions:
Forced migrants who have experienced human trafficking are at elevated risk for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders, underscoring the importance of early identification and comprehensive psychosocial support tailored to this particularly vulnerable group.
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