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The psychological impact of the Syrian crisis on refugees living in Lebanon
Author(s) -
Hendaus Mohamed,
Mourad Nisreen,
Younes Samar,
Hammoudi Dalal,
Rahal Mohamad,
Basheti Iman
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
perspectives in psychiatric care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6163
pISSN - 0031-5990
DOI - 10.1111/ppc.12700
Subject(s) - refugee , syrian refugees , medicine , mental health , observational study , quality of life (healthcare) , psychiatry , psychology , nursing , archaeology , pathology , history
Purpose This study aims to evaluate the impact of war on Syrian refugees' life in Bekaa/Lebanon, focusing on psychological and physical symptoms, and to assess the prevalence of the most common symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in affected patients recruited in the study. Design and Methods This observational study was conducted over a period of 1 month—June 2019—in three main camps in the Bekaa region. After taking approval, a total number of 108 Syrian refugees were interviewed and asked about their quality of life and health conditions in camps, after leaving their country. A validated questionnaire was filled by field researchers to gather information on refugees' psychological distresses, physical symptoms, and future perspective. Findings During the 4 weeks of study, 108 refugees completed the questionnaire; psychological assessment showed 73.8% of refugees who were exposed to the fighting atmosphere, suffered from one or more psychological symptoms related to PTSD. In addition, 50.5% of the refugees were <30 years old, and among those, 83.5% believed that they have no future for themselves and their families, while 15.4% lost hope in a better life. Seventy‐four percent reported at least one physical symptom in the past 4 weeks that is related to PTSD. Furthermore, 64.3% strongly agreed that there is lack of awareness and medical care including psychological and mental health, while 56.1% strongly agreed on the important role of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in providing advice to patients on their overall health and mental health. Conclusion Syrian refugees at the assessed camps suffered from psychological distress that requires urgent attention. Current medical and psychological support is absent, and further assessment is needed.