Determinants of Mental Disorders in Syrian Refugees in Turkey Versus Internally Displaced Persons in Syria

• DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2018.304405
• Publication Date: 2018-05-17T19:54:46Z
• Authors: Sidika Tekeli-Yesil; Esra Isik; Yesim Unal; Fuad Aljomaa Almossa; Hande Konsuk Unlu; Ahmet Tamer Aker
• Keywords: Adult; Depressive Disorder, Major; Refugees; Adolescent; Syria; Turkey; Mental Disorders; Age Factors; Middle Aged; 16. Peace & justice; 3. Good health; Interviews as Topic; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sex Factors; 0302 clinical medicine; Socioeconomic Factors; Humans; Family Relations

Objectives. To compare frequencies of some mental health disorders between Syrian refugees living in Turkey and internally displaced persons in Syria, and to identify factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder. Methods. We carried out a field survey in May 2017 among 540 internally displaced persons in Syria and refugees in Turkey. Results. The study revealed that mental disorders were highly prevalent in both populations. Major depressive disorder was more frequent among refugees in Turkey than among internally displaced persons in Syria; other mental disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder, were more prevalent in the latter than in the former. Posttraumatic stress disorder was also associated with postmigration factors. Major depressive disorder was more likely among refugees in Turkey. In addition, the likelihood of major depressive disorder was predicted by stopping somewhere else before resettlement in the current location. Conclusions. The resettlement locus and the context and type of displacement seem to be important determinants of mental health disorders, with postmigration factors being stronger predictors of conflict-related mental health. Internally displaced persons may benefit more from trauma-focused approaches, whereas refugees may derive greater benefit from psychosocial approaches.