Publications Search
This publications portal is a repository of all IOM migration health publications from 2006 to present where IOM was a primary contributor.
Publications include peer-reviewed scientific papers, technical reports, training guides/manuals, policy briefs/discussion papers, factsheets, newsletters, research reviews, conference and poster presentations. These are categorized by topic, author, country/region covered as well as by year, language, and type of publication. The map reflects the countries covered by the publications.
To browse or search: simply use the filter options on the left-hand side. Alternatively, you can enter keyword/s in the search box. Selecting a specific publication will lead to a ‘download’ link or link to the website where the document is housed. Here is the step-by-step guide for your reference.

Displacement-related stressors in a Sri Lankan war-affected community: Identifying the impact of war exposure and ongoing stressors on trauma symptom severity
Author/s: Fiona C. Thomas, Simon Coulombe, Todd A. Girard, Tae L. Hart, Shannon Doherty, Giselle Dass, Kolitha Wickramage, Chesmal Siriwardhana, Rajendra Surenthirakumaran, Kelly McShane
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a shift in the literature towards identifying how ongoing stress adversely affects mental health beyond the effect of direct exposure to war-related violence. The goal of the current study was to investigate the relationship between displacement-related stressors and trauma symptom severity. Participants (N = 1015) were recruited from primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) in Northern Sri Lanka and completed a demographic and displacement…

Migration, Displacement and Health. In: Carrie D. Llewellyn et al. (eds.) Cambridge Handbook of Psychology, Health and Medicine (Third Edition)
Author/s: Chesmal Siriwardhana, Kolitha Wickramage
The article describes the diverse and complex health needs of displaced populations which require contextually and culturally adaptable management strategies. Provision of health services for these populations should be firmly considered as an essential human rights issue and require strategic alliances with existing public health systems where possible.

Health status of returning refugees, internally displaced persons, and the host community in a post-conflict district in northern Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional survey
Author/s: Rachel Burns, Kolitha Wickramage, Anwar Musah, Chesmal Siriwardhana, Francesco Checchi
Abstract
Background Although the adverse impacts of conflict-driven displacement on health are well-documented, less is known about how health status and associated risk factors differ according to displacement experience. This study quantifies health status and quality of life among returning refugees, internally displaced persons, and the host community in a post-conflict district in Northern Sri Lanka, and explores associated risk factors.
…

Mental health of migrants in low-skilled work and the families they leave behind
Author/s: Kolitha Wickramage, Chesmal Siriwardhana
Migration is rapidly reshaping the world. Low-skilled labour migration, in particular, is driven by disparities in income, wealth, and work opportunities. Labour migrants are increasingly flowing among low-income and middle-income nations in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.1 Migrant workers and the family members they leave behind number about 193 million,1 of whom 52–100 million people are domestic workers in low-skilled, so-called difficult, degrading, and dangerous…
Read more
Mental distress and potentially modifiable social factors in post-conflict Sri Lanka
Author/s: Chesmal Siriwardhana, Kolitha Wickramage
The number of people affected by protracted conflicts is surging, especially in North Africa, the Middle East, and eastern Europe, leading to large-scale population displacements. Conflict-related violence and displacement have a direct association with mental health problems.For example, in Sri Lanka—a country emerging from three decades of civil conflict—populations are showing substantial negative mental health consequences of conflict, such as depression,…
Read more
Common mental disorders among adult members of ‘left-behind’ international migrant worker families in Sri Lanka
Author/s: Chesmal Siriwardhana, Kolitha Wickramage, Sisira Siribaddana, Puwalani Vidanapathiran, Buddhini Jayasekara, Sulochana Weerawarna, Gayani Pannala, AnushkaAdikar, Kaushalya Jayaweera, Sharika Pieris, Athula Sumathipala
Abstract:

Conflict, forced displacement and health in Sri Lanka: a review of the research landscape
Author/s: Chesmal Siriwardhana, Kolitha Wickramage