Impact of Trauma on Health-Related Quality of Life, Daily Stress Perception, Physical and Mental Health Outcomes and the Role of Physical Activity among Resettled Bhutanese and Congolese Refugees in North America

Background Refugee populations face disproportionate trauma exposure and post-migration stressors that can degrade health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and heighten somatic symptom burden. Physical activity (PA) may buffer these effects, yet evidence among specific resettled communities remains limited. Methods Cross-sectional surveys were administered to adult Congolese and Bhutanese refugees in a urban location in North America. Validated, translated instruments assessed perceived stress (PSS-10), trauma symptom clusters (Complex Trauma Inventory, CTI), HRQoL (SF-36), physical symptoms (CHIPS), and PA (IPAQ-short). Analyses evaluated: levels of trauma/stress/health outcomes; associations between trauma burden and HRQoL/stress/CHIPS; whether PA mitigates these relationships; and differences by community. Results Mean CHIPS = 42.65 (SD = 24.92) and PSS = 18.82 (SD = 4.44). SF-36 domains centered near mid-50s, with Bodily Pain higher (~ 68.8). CHIPS correlated strongly with CTI clusters (r=.43–.61, all p<.001). IPAQ data were sparse; no PA–outcome differences were detected in group tests. Congolese participants showed better General Health, Bodily Pain, and Social Functioning, with fewer comorbidities and medications and lower pain ratings than Bhutanese. Gender differences were non-significant; age effects were not estimable. Conclusions Higher trauma burden aligns with poorer HRQoL and greater somatic symptoms. Community-level differences suggest tailored, trauma-informed services are warranted.