Rene Drumm

Social Work Interventions in Refugee Camps: An Ecosystems Approach

ABSTRACT This article offers findings from qualitative needs assessment of Kosovar refugees in south Albania at approximately one month following their flight from Kosovo (May, 1999). Common themes emerged from the interview data including trauma and the desire for emotional help, lack of information about loved ones, and the need for activities and self-determination in the camps. Framing these findings within an ecological model of human development, we propose a comprehensive approach to social work interventions in refugee camps.

African-American injection drug users: tensions and barriers in HIV/AIDS prevention.

This exploratory study utilized a focus group methodology to explore tensions and barriers in HIV/AIDS prevention among African-American injection drug users. Participants discussed HIV infection risks, national/community HIV prevention effectiveness, prevention barriers, ideas on barrier removal, and the tensions which exist between users and the larger African-American community. Recognizing the inevitability of continued drug use for many injectors, participants requested basic harm-reduction supplies including condoms, needle exchange programs, additional drug user treatment services, and the use of culturally- and gender-matched peer-led prevention and treatment outreach. Preliminary recommendations are made for consideration in HIV/AIDS prevention among African-American IDUs. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]

Women of War: Emotional Needs of Ethnic Albanians in Refugee Camps

This qualitative study identified the emotional needs of female Kosovar refugees in southern Albania in May 1999, about 1 month following their flight from Kosovo. Common themes that emerged from the interviews included dealing with trauma, anxiety, and boredom and maintaining the hope that they would return home. On the basis of the findings, along with feminist theories as guiding concepts, the authors offer recommendations for the prevention of further trauma and treatment options for women in refugee camps.