A psychometric analysis conducted under the three-year programme Cyprus Safe Horizon II has found elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among residents of Cyprus’ Reception and Accommodation Centres. The results, based on questionnaires completed by 604 adult third-country nationals, were presented at the University of Nicosia.
What the data shows
According to programme supervisor Ourania Tsouridi (Health Psychologist & Clinical Integrative Psychotherapist), 39.7% of participants recorded moderate to high anxiety, while 44.3% showed moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Anxiety and depression were strongly correlated, indicating they frequently occur together. Women consistently reported higher levels of both conditions than men, reflecting the heavier psychological burden linked to trauma, loss, and social exclusion.
The assessment of PTSD found that high anxiety and depression were directly associated with post-traumatic symptoms. Country of origin was a strong predictor: residents from Kurdistan (57%) and Palestine (65%) showed the highest PTSD rates, while a lower association (under 10%) was observed among individuals from African countries and Afghanistan. By contrast, age and length of stay in the centres did not significantly affect overall psychological distress.
Who ran the programme
The project was implemented over the past three years by the Centre for Counselling and Psychological Support (KESYPSY) with the support of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). It focused on prevention, treatment, and social inclusion for migrants residing at the Kofinou Reception and Accommodation Centre (Asylum Service, Ministry of Interior). Its goals included reducing harm linked to substance use in vulnerable groups, strengthening motivation for referral, securing active participation in treatment, and supporting social integration for individuals and families.
How services were rated
Despite difficult conditions, most participants expressed high satisfaction with the programme’s services and the human-centred approach of staff, said Eleftheria Kazamia, Director of KESYPSY. Collaboration with centre personnel was positive, and the presence of specialised mental-health professionals reduced marginalisation risks and boosted resilience among people who use substances.
Policy context and next steps
In a keynote address, AAEK President Dr Christos Minas described migration management as a complex policy and social challenge, noting that many asylum seekers arrive from conflict zones and face vulnerability, marginalisation, and barriers to care. He underlined that ensuring access to treatment and harm-reduction interventions is a priority under the National Strategy for Addressing Addictions 2021-2028.
Planned measures for the next three years include: an early identification and referral mechanism; outreach programmes for migrants outside reception centres; on-site counselling hubs within the centres; inclusion of migrants in therapeutic programmes; and trauma-informed training for health professionals.
“Supporting migrants living in our country can profoundly improve their health and wellbeing and help build a safer, happier society for all,” Dr Minas said.
Source: CNA