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Mental health outcomes in Syrian refugees: A systematic review

Author

Listed:
  • Fernando Henrique de Lima Sá
  • Vitória Waikamp
  • Lúcia Helena Machado Freitas
  • Fernanda Lucia Capitanio Baeza

Abstract

Background: Syria is the main country of origin for refugees in the world. The prevalence of mental disorders in this population is high, but there is a lack of more comprehensive data on mental health issues in this population. Aim: This study aims to review the literature for mental health outcomes in Syrian refugees. Methods: We performed a systematic quantitative literature review of original observational studies indexed on the MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, LILACS, and SciELO databases with quantitative data reporting mental health outcomes in Syrian refugees. A descriptive analysis was conducted, and the quality of the included studies was assessed using an adaptation from The National Institutes of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool for observational studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Results: A total of 64 studies were included. The majority were published between 2019 and 2020, and focused on the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, with a wide range of variations. Other outcomes were difficulties in the post-migration period and promotive factors for mental health, such as resilience, positive coping strategies, and psychosocial well-being. Conclusions: High prevalence rates of mental disorders were observed, as well as risk factors for their occurrence. Studies showed a very high variability of prevalence rates and heterogeneity in methodologies. There is a need for research focusing on other determinants and specific necessities for mental health, especially in the post-resettlement period.

Suggested Citation

  • Fernando Henrique de Lima Sá & Vitória Waikamp & Lúcia Helena Machado Freitas & Fernanda Lucia Capitanio Baeza, 2022. "Mental health outcomes in Syrian refugees: A systematic review," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 68(5), pages 933-953, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:68:y:2022:i:5:p:933-953
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640221099404
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Orna Braun-Lewensohn & Sarah Abu-Kaf & Khaled Al-Said, 2019. "Women in Refugee Camps: Which Coping Resources Help Them to Adapt?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-11, October.
    2. Fatmeh Ahmad Alzoubi & Ahmed Mohammad Al-Smadi & Yazeed Mohammad Gougazeh, 2019. "Coping Strategies Used by Syrian Refugees in Jordan," Clinical Nursing Research, , vol. 28(4), pages 396-421, May.
    3. Susanne Röhr & Franziska U. Jung & Anna Renner & Anna Plexnies & Rahel Hoffmann & Judith Dams & Thomas Grochtdreis & Hans-Helmut König & Anette Kersting & Steffi G. Riedel-Heller, 2020. "Recruitment and Baseline Characteristics of Participants in the “Sanadak” Trial: A Self-Help App for Syrian Refugees with Post-traumatic Stress," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-16, October.
    4. repec:plo:pmed00:1003337 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Tara M Powell & Oe Jin Shin & Shang-Ju Li & Yuan Hsiao, 2020. "Post-traumatic stress, social, and physical health: A mediation and moderation analysis of Syrian refugees and Jordanians in a border community," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(10), pages 1-17, October.
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    1. Sarah Alsamman & Rana Dajani & Wael K Al-Delaimy, 2024. "Self-compassion and association with distress, depression, and anxiety among displaced Syrians: A population-based study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(9), pages 1-17, September.

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