Level of Psychosocial Problems among Children in a Refugee Camp in Kirkuk City

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to identify the demographic characteristics and to find out the level of psychosocial problems among refugee children as well as, the relationships between some demographical factors and psychosocial problems among children in Yahyawah refugee camp in city of Kirkuk. Methodology: A descriptive study was designed from September 1stand up to November 15th 2015. A non-probability purposive sample of 60 children with age ranged from four to twelve year, who displaced and lives with their families in Laylan, Yahyawah refugee camp in the city of Kirkuk participated in the current study. A designed questionnaire was used for the study. This questionnaire is a modified version of pediatric symptoms checklist (PSC) and it consists of two parts, a basic demographic characteristics and secondly, a part forms the inventory. The inventory comprised of 38 items organized into five subcategories. Three choices were for each item. The total score of the inventory was ranged from 38 to 114. The data was collected through interview with one of the parents. The data analyzed through the application of descriptive statistical analysis (Frequency, Percentage %) and inferential statistics. Result: The results found that (53.3%) of the study sample were male and (40%) of them aged from (10-12 years) old. The psychosocial assessment showed that from (38) items, there was (35) items reported low level assessment concerning psycho social aspect for children. A highly significant association (p<0.007) found among child's psychosocial problem and monthly income of the family. Conclusion: the study concluded that socio-economic status has a great effect on the psychological status of the children in refugee camps. Recommendation: Refugee camps need to be observed directly by the government in addition to the civil society organizations and provide these camps with suitable requirements and specific care particularly for children's, so they can grow in healthy environment.