Comparison of the Pregnancy Characteristics and Outcomes Between Syrian Immigrants and Local Turkish Women: Large Cohort Multicenter Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study is to compare Syrian immigrants and local Turkish women in terms of pregnancy characteristics and its outcomes. Methods: In a large cohort, multicenter, retrospective study, we obtained data from births that occurred in three hospitals in the Metropolitan Municipality of Izmir and Aydin Province between October 1, 2009 and June 1, 2019. We compared 11036 Syrian immigrants and local Turkish women in terms of their demographic features, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes. Results: Pregnant women were significantly younger, and the number of adolescent pregnancies (maternal age<19) was significantly higher in the Syrian immigrant group (p<0.01, and p<0.01, respectively). The number of previous pregnancies was higher among Syrian immigrant pregnant women (p<0.01). Cesarean Section (C/S) and interventional delivery rates were higher in Turkish pregnant women, and C/S delivery indications were significantly different between the groups (p<0.05, and p<0.01, respectively). Preterm birth rates (<37 gestational weeks) were higher in the Syrian immigrants, whereas the rates of low birth weight (LBW) (<2500 gr) were higher in the Turkish women (p<0.05, and p<0.05, respectively). Also, the mean newborn birth weight and head circumference of the newborns were higher in the Turkish women, whereas the birth length of newborns was higher in the Syrian immigrants (p<0.01, p<0.01, and p<0.01, respectively). Conclusion: In the present study, compared to local Turkish pregnant women, pregnancy characteristics and the perinatal outcomes of the Syrian immigrant women and their neonates had different characteristics. Moreover, the types and indications of delivery of Syrian immigrants differed from those of Turkish pregnant women. The findings of our large cohort study can contribute to the improvement of health policies in Turkey and other countries hosting Syrian immigrants.