Stress in Cambodian Refugee Families

Southeast Asians are a rapidly growing, culturally varied group needing physical and mental health services. The sources, manifestations, and coping strategies associated with stress experienced by this group are not well documented. Interviews were conducted with 120 Cambodian women in this comparative descriptive study to identify their perceptions of stress-related factors confronting families. Memories of the war, financial concerns, and family problems were frequently cited. Somatic manifestations were the most common symptoms. A general sense of inability to cope with stress suggests the need for health care providers to be sensitive to undeclared problems.