Abstract
IntroductionStudying mental and physical health problems in refugees facilitates providing suitable health care, thus improving their quality of life. We studied depression tendency in Syrian refugees in Jordan in the light of chronic diseases and medication availability. Also, depression prevalence and depression comorbidity with chronic diseases were identified.MethodsIn this multicenter cross-sectional survey, data from Syrian refugees attending Caritas centers in 6 Jordanian cities from November 2013 through June 2014 were analyzed. Participants’ demographics, depression, previously diagnosed chronic diseases, and newly diagnosed chronic diseases and the availability of medications were studied. Logistic regression was used to examine predictors for depression.ResultsOf 765 refugees who participated, about one-third demonstrated significant depression as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory. Descriptive analyses showed that depression was comorbid in 35% of participants with previously diagnosed chronic diseases and in 40% of participants with newly diagnosed chronic diseases. Newly diagnosed chronic diseases and lack of medications significantly contributed to depression, but the regression model as a whole explained less than 5% of the variance.ConclusionBecause the regression model showed low effect size, we concluded that newly diagnosed chronic diseases and medication shortages could not predict depression in Syrian refugees residing in Jordan. Therefore, further studies of additional factors are recommended. Prompt measures have to be taken to prevent the spread of chronic diseases and improve mental health in this fragile population.
Highlights
Studying mental and physical health problems in refugees facilitates providing suitable health care, improving their quality of life
Descriptive analyses showed that depression was comorbid in 35% of participants with previously diagnosed chronic diseases and in 40% of participants with newly diagnosed chronic diseases
Diagnosed chronic diseases and lack of medications significantly contributed to depression, but the regression model as a whole explained less than 5% of the variance
Summary
Studying mental and physical health problems in refugees facilitates providing suitable health care, improving their quality of life. We studied depression tendency in Syrian refugees in Jordan in the light of chronic diseases and medication availability. The number of officially assisted Syrian refugees has exceeded 1.4 million [1]. Refugees’ physical and mental health represents a medical challenge. Refugees have higher prevalences of chronic diseases because of competition for basic life needs and lack of medications and appropriate health care [2]. Whether diagnosed before migration or newly diagnosed after migration, require special attention and monitoring because of their impact on mental health and normal individual functioning [3]. Controlling chronic diseases requires adequate numbers of pharmacists and medications [4]
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