Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze and compare obstetric and neonatal outcomes between Syrian refugees and ethnic Turkish women. Retrospective, observational study. A total of 576 Syrian refugees and 576 ethnic Turkish women were included in this study, which was conducted between January 2015 and December 2015 at a tertiary maternity training hospital in Ankara, Turkey. The demographic characteristics, obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared. The primary outcomes were pregnancy outcomes and cesarean rates between the groups RESULTS: The mean age was significantly lower in the refugee group (p < 0.001). Mean gravidity, proportion of adolescent pregnancies, proportion of pregnant women aged 12 to 19 years, and number of pregnancies at < 18 years were significantly higher among the refugee women (p < 0.001). Rates of antenatal follow-up, double testing, triple testing, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening, and iron replacement therapy were significantly lower in the refugee group (p < 0.001). The primary Cesarean section rate was significantly lower in the refugee group (p = 0.034). Pregnancies in the refugee group were more complicated, with higher rates of preterm delivery (< 37 weeks), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), and low birth weight (< 2,500 g) when compared with the control group (4.2% versus 0.7%, p < 0.001; 1.6% versus 0.2%, p = 0.011; and 12% versus 5.8%, p < 0.001, respectively). Low education level (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.5-0.1), and weight gain during pregnancy (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 0.5-0.1) were found to be significant indicators for preterm birth/PPROM and low birthweight. Syrian refugees had increased risks of certain adverse obstetric outcomes, including preterm delivery, PPROM, lower birth weight, and anemia. Several factors may influence these findings; thus, refugee women would benefit from more targeted care during pregnancy and childbirth.
Highlights
People moving out of their country due to restriction or danger to their lives are vulnerable
Several factors may influence these findings; refugee women would benefit from more targeted care during pregnancy and childbirth
576 Syrian refugees and 576 pregnant ethnic Turkish women were included in this study
Summary
People moving out of their country due to restriction or danger to their lives are vulnerable. Syrian refugees are citizens of Syria who have fled their country since the onset of the Syrian civil war, in 2011. Because of its geographical location and politics, Turkey has been the first choice of Syrian asylum seekers.[1] International temporary protection was an urgently granted temporary status decided on by the Council of Turkish Ministers when this massive migratory movement occurred. Temporary protection regulations were enacted on October 22, 2014. According to these regulations, healthcare must be given to Syrian asylum seekers in their province of residence in Turkey.[2]
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