Prevalence of psychiatric symptoms among refugee adolescents in Turkey: a controlled study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate prevalence of internalized and externalized psychological symptoms and war-related adverse events among a representative secondary-school sample of Syrian refugee adolescents, and to compare levels of depression, anxiety, and stress between Syrian refugee adolescents and Turkish adolescents. Methods: Syrian refugee adolescents (n=70) and Turkish adolescents (n=70) were asked to complete the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-42) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: DASS and SDQ scores were significantly different between the two groups; scores in all problem areas were higher in refugees. Loss of a family member increased depression, stress, and total difficulty scored, whereas witnessing death increased anxiety and stress and experiencing multiple events increased depression, anxiety, and total difficulty scores. Maternal years of schooling correlated inversely with SDQ emotional symptoms, conduct problems, and hyperactivity/inattention problem scores. Both parents' years of schooling correlated inversely with SDQ total difficulties scores. Conclusion: Syrian refugee adolescents had higher depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, peer relationship problems, and general difficulties than their Turkish peers. Facilitating refugees' access to mental health services, educating their parents, consulting, and monitoring at-risk children may contribute to reducing psychosocial problems in refugee children.

Behavioral difficulties and associated factors among the ‘lost generation’ of Syrian children and adolescents

“…The impact of the war during this period likely disrupted their education and, for the older group, hindered their access to higher education. We found that children with less-educated parents tend to display more behavioral difficulties, which aligns with previous studies 22 , 43 , 52 , 60 . Importantly, our study highlighted that the educational level of fathers stands out as one of the influential predictors for children’s behavior.…”

“…Our study aligns with existing literature, indicating that families with lower educational levels tend to have lower income and socioeconomic status. We found a positive and significant correlation between maternal and paternal education and the economic status of the family 22 . Over half of our sample had insufficient income to cover essential living expenses, and the worse the economic situation of parents, the more pronounced their children’s behavioral difficulties.…”

“…The majority of existing studies have focused on the psychological well-being of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries 13 , 19 – 22 , while children within Syria have received little attention. Currently, there is a lack of data concerning the prevalence of emotional and behavioral issues among children and adolescents in Syria.…”

Behavioral Difficulties Among Syrian Children and Adolescents: Identifying Associated Factors in the 'Lost Generation'

“…They can employ suitable approaches to support their children's growth and seek appropriate resources when issues arise (61). Families with lower educational levels often have lower income and socioeconomic status (22). Over half of our sample had insu cient income to cover essential living expenses, and the worse the economic situation of parents, the more pronounced their children's behavioral di culties.…”

Middle eastern refugee children and adolescents mental health: A systematic review

“…Karadag and Gokcen (2020) undertook two further studies to investigate the prevalence of mental health symptoms in Syrian refugee adolescents. Firstly, Karadag and Ogutlu (2020) assessed the prevalence of internalized and externalized mental conditions and war‐related serious incidents among 70 Syrian refugee adolescents and 70 Turkish adolescents aged 12–16. The DASS‐42 items were used to assess depression, anxiety, and stress in adolescents, while the SDQ was used to evaluate emotional, behavioural, and social disorders.…”