Health needs and access to health care: the case of Syrian refugees in Turkey

Multiple trauma exposure and psychopathology in Syrian refugees living in Turkey: A latent class analysis

BACKGROUND

After the Syrian civil war, millions of Syrian refugees migrated to neighboring countries, with the majority settling in Turkey. The prevalence of mental disorders is notably higher among refugee populations. However, prior research on Syrian refugees have mostly used variable-centred approaches which have known limitations. Thus, the present study sought to examine the occurrence and co-occurrence of traumatic experiences among Syrian refugees living in Turkey using latent class analysis (LCA). Additionally, this study aimed to identify the associations between latent class membership and trauma-related psychopathology.

METHODS

Participants included 593 Syrian refugees living in Turkey. LCA was used to identify latent classes of trauma exposure. Demographic predictors of the latent classes were examined and associations with PTSD, CPTSD, depression and anxiety were also explored.

RESULTS

Three latent classes were identified based on trauma exposure; a "multiple traumas" class, "war and human suffering" class, and "low exposure, combat-exposed" class. Odds of PTSD, CPTSD, depression, or anxiety diagnosis did not differ significantly between classes, with the exception of the "multiple traumas" class who were more likely to meet the criteria for anxiety diagnosis compared to the "low exposure" class.

LIMITATIONS

Historic psychiatric symptoms or post-migration stressors could not be accounted for in this study, which may explain the lack of significant differences in most mental health outcomes by trauma exposure class.

DISCUSSION

The latent classes identified in this study correspond with previous research regarding trauma in Syrian refugees. However, this study largely failed to find significant differences in mental health diagnoses between classes. Future research should consider the effect of post-migration stressors in refugee populations, which may play a crucial role in mental health outcomes.

Simulation Training Approach for Cleft Lip and Palate Repair in Low-Income Countries

BACKGROUND

During periods of civil strife, the need for trauma care and lack of sufficient cleft surgeons causes an increase in children left untreated with cleft lip and palate deformities. During the Syrian war, some cleft care was provided through visiting charities, with surgeries performed both in Syria and neighboring countries. There is a need to increase the number of adequately trained cleft surgeons available in such regions so that care can be achieved beyond mission trips.

METHODOLOGY

Cleft lip and palate repair workshops were delivered to 50 doctors in Syria. Pre-workshop, trainees received supplementary learning material. During the workshop, attendees received didactic teaching followed by 2 simulation sessions. Pre- and post-workshop, attendees completed questionnaires regarding their confidence and ability to perform cleft lip and palate repair.

RESULTS

Pre-workshop, 96% of workshop attendees had never independently performed cleft lip repair while 100% of attendees had not previously performed cleft palate repair. The mean pre-workshop confidence score was 2.452. Post-workshop, the mean confidence score was 3.503. Confidence rating scores significantly improved (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The workshop delivered in Syria, together with this cleft lip and palate simulator provides an effective training tool that may support surgical training globally, particularly those in low-income countries. Further support is needed by charity organizations to ensure the continued delivery of such training.

Mental health problems and help-seeking behaviours of Syrian refugee adolescents: mediating role of self-stigma

BACKGROUND

Although common mental health problems have been widely studied with self-stigma, few studies have focused on the mediating effect of self-stigma in the relationship between mental health problems and help-seeking behaviours of refugee adolescents. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine whether self-stigma mitigates the adverse effects of stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms on the help-seeking behaviours of Syrian adolescents living in Turkey.

METHODS

The participants of this study included 488 Syrian refugee adolescents (boys, 63.73%; girls, 3627%) living in Turkey. Participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and General Help-Seeking Scale and Self-Stigma of Seeking Psychology Help Scale.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that stress (β = 0.19, p < 0.01), anxiety (β = 0.12, p < 0.05), and depression (β = 0.17, p < 0.01) had significant and positive predictive effects on self-stigma, but not on help-seeking behaviours. Also, self-stigma (β = -0.12, p < 0.01) had a significant negative predictive effect on help-seeking behaviours. With regard to the indirect effects, the findings showed that self-stigma fully mediated the associations between stress - help-seeking [effect = -0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.11 to -0.01], anxiety - help-seeking (effect = -0.04, 95% CI -0.09 to -0.01)], and depression - help-seeking (effect = -0.05, 95% CI -0.12 to -0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the potential negative effects of self-stigma on the help-seeking behaviours of Syrian refugee adolescents, both directly and indirectly. These results can be used to develop and implement effective and efficient interventions to address the unmet mental health needs of refugee adolescents.

Exploring Predictors of Preterm Birth: A Comparative Study of Turkish and Syrian Refugee Women

OBJECTIVE

This study is designed to explore associated sociodemographic, birth-related and household characteristics with preterm birth (< 37 weeks) among Turkish and Syrian refugee women.

METHODS

The data utilized in this study were obtained from the Turkey Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) conducted in 2018. Various statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and Chi-square tests, were employed to examine the differences in study variables between Turkish and Syrian refugee women. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the associated factors with preterm birth among Turkish and Syrian refugee women, allowing for comparative analysis.

RESULTS

The key findings of this study revealed significant differences in sociodemographic (p < 0.05), birth-related (p < 0.05), and household characteristics (p < 0.05) that are associated with preterm birth among Turkish and Syrian refugee women. Also, nationality (OR: 3.427; 95% CI 2.770-4.241), delivery by c-section (OR: 1.630; 95% CI 1.370-1.939), educational status (OR: 0.674; 95% CI 0.547-0.832), place of delivery (OR: 0.806; 95% CI 0.666-0.975), and number of household members (OR: 1.206; 95% CI 1.013-1.437) were found to be important factors associated with preterm birth risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The key findings of this study contribute to the identification of women's factors in preterm birth. By understanding the factors that contribute to preterm birth among both Syrian refugee and Turkish women, appropriate interventions can be developed to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Ethical challenges in organ transplants for refugees in a healthcare system

BACKGROUND

Several ethical issues are associated with providing living organ transplantation services, and there is limited information on these issues faced by the teams providing service to refugees or asylum seekers.

AIM

To determine the challenges healthcare professionals face in organ transplant centers providing services to Syrians under temporary protection status and discern whether these difficulties align with ethical issues in living organ transplantation.

RESEARCH DESIGN

This study employed a qualitative design and conducted individual semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 18 transplant team members in Istanbul between September and November 2022. Data analysis was based on Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis.

PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT

The participants comprised 18 healthcare professionals, including 6 physicians and 12 nurses working in organ transplant teams in Istanbul.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The University's Ethics Committee provided approval. Participants were informed regarding confidentiality and signed an informed consent form.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged from the data on ethical issues faced by organ transplantation services to Syrians: (a) beneficence or double equipoise, (b) autonomy, and (c) justice. Transplant teams experience problems related to preserving double equipoise in the provision of living donor organ transplantation because of language barriers, poor socioeconomic conditions, and cultural factors, which increases transplant teams' individual and indirect social burden. Although problems arise from the language barrier when obtaining informed consent in the autonomy theme, institutional and national policies in preventing donor abuse have a comforting effect. Health workers had the least problems with the justice theme, wherein national health policies are determined.

CONCLUSION

Fewer issues related to autonomy and justice were reported in providing organ transplantation services to Syrians, with the most intense reported issues being maintaining double equipoise. The results revealed the need to develop institutional, national, and international policies with individual solutions to prevent difficulties healthcare professionals face in this process.

Health System Response to Refugees' and Migrants' Health in Iran: A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis and Policy Recommendations

Objective: Iran is one of the main hosts of Afghan refugees. This study aims to provide comprehensive evidence to increase Afghan migrants' access to healthcare services in Iran. Methods: To assess the health system's response to Afghan migrants in Iran, we conducted three phases for SWOT analysis, including: 1-developing a review and comprehensive analysis of documents, laws, and, programs, 2-conducting semi-structured interviews with policymakers and experts, and 3-mapping the results through the Levesque's conceptual framework for healthcare access. Results: We evaluated the response of the health system to Afghan migrants' health needs in three domains: 1-Approachability and ability to perceive migrants; 2-Ability to reach, engage, and availability and accommodation and appropriateness; 3-The ability to pay and affordability. For each of the three domains, we identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, complemented with evidence-based suggestions to improve migrants' access to needed healthcare services. Conclusion: Given the rising trend of immigration and deteriorating financial crises, we recommend appropriate strategies for the adoption of specialized focus services, gateway services, and restricted services. Also simplifying financial procedures, and implementing innovative insurance mechanisms are essential.

Determining family relations through drawing: Family relations in images drawn by immigrant children

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate family relations of immigrant children with the drawing method.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The sample, which was carried out using the visual phenomenology method, consisted of 60 immigrant children between the ages of 4-14. The data were collected by face-to-face interviews with the children and family, using the Family Information Form and the Family Drawing Test. The data obtained from the drawings were analyzed with the MAXQDA 2022 program.

RESULTS

The pictures drawn by the children were examined and 3 themes (Chaos, Necessity, Development) and 9 sub-themes (Interpersonal Relations, Thoughts about Future, Violence, Authority, Emotional State, Communication, Needs and Desires, Role Modeling, Personality) were formed.

CONCLUSIONS

It was determined that the family relations of immigrant children were adversely affected, children had conflicts with family members, were exposed to violence, felt many emotions, such as fear, anxiety, loneliness, anger, longing, exclusion, and needed communication, attention, and support.

IMPLICATION TO PRACTICE

It is thought that nurses could use the picture analysis method to understand the feelings and thoughts of children.

The effect of increases in the Syrian refugee population in Turkey on public maternal and child health outcomes

Our purpose in this study is to explore the effect that increases in the Syrian refugee population could have on public maternal and child health outcomes. Data collected from official records from 81 Turkish provinces in 2018, and then, subjected to mediating analysis using a path analytic approach to examine the interrelationships between the Syrian population, adolescent marriage, and economic integration factors on refugee maternal and child health outcomes. An increase in the Syrian population would lead to a rise in adolescent birth rates and under-5 mortality under the mediating effect of an increase in adolescent female marriage.

Internal migration and utilization of reproductive and maternity care among women in Pakistan: evidence from a recent National Survey

Background

During the last decades, migratory behavior has had a key role in population growth and redistribution in Pakistan. Migration has far-reaching socioeconomic implications for individuals and society at large that could influence the health integrity of Pakistani women. This study aimed to describe the migration patterns and drivers as well as their association with adequate access to reproductive and maternal care among married Pakistani women aged 15-49.

Methods

The data from the 2017-18 Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (PDHS) was used to extract the information on the explanatory (sociodemographic and migration backgrounds) and outcome variables (unmet needs for family planning, adequate antenatal care, and delivery at health facilities). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the relationship between these explanatory and outcome variables before and after adjustment for sociodemographic inequalities.

Results

In unadjusted models, the odds of having adequate ANC and delivery at health facilities were approximately 2 to 4 times higher in those living (urban non-migrant), moving to (urban to urban, rural to urban), or leaving the urban areas (rural to urban) as compared to rural non-migrants; likewise, the odds of the unmet needs for family planning was about 20-50% lower in the same migration streams compared to rural non-migrant. However, after adjustment for sociodemographic inequalities, most of these associations attenuated and only the association of urban to urban migration with unmet needs for family planning and the association of urban non-migrant with delivery at health facilities remained significant.

Conclusion

Although the findings suggest that Internal migration flows, particularly those to urban areas (urban to urban and rural to urban), could be associated with better access to reproductive and maternity care among married Pakistani women aged 15-49 years; adjustment for sociodemographic inequalities, particularly education and wealth, nullified this association to a great extent. This has important implications for current policies and interventions in Pakistan and calls for policy reform and women's rights advocacy to enhance the literacy level of young Pakistani girls through well-tailored interventions, maintaining them at school.

Nurses' experience in stoma care for refugees and asylum seekers: Qualitative research

This study aimed to determine the experiences of ostomy and wound care nurses in providing care to refugees and asylum seekers with stomas. This study used a descriptive qualitative design. The study population comprised 14 female nurses working as ostomy and wound care nurses in Turkey. Purposive sampling was adopted. The interviews were conducted at times convenient for the participants and researchers and by interviewing each nurse once. Prior to the interviews, the questions of an individual characteristics identification form were read to the participants, and the form was filled out on the basis of their responses. The interviews were conducted using a semistructured approach. Thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze, and report themes within the data. The emerging themes following data analysis were communication problems, problems with stoma supplies, nurses' efforts to prevent inequalities in care, and emotional burden. To maintain appropriate nursing care, this study recommends the expansion of appropriate translation services and the reconsideration of problems related to patients' access to stoma care materials.

Is life expectancy higher in countries and territories with publicly funded health care? Global analysis of health care access and the social determinants of health

Background

To better understand factors influencing life expectancy, this paper examines how the availability of publicly funded health care in a country and multiple social determinants of health impact longevity of life.

Methods

In this descriptive statistical analysis, data regarding publicly funded health care, life expectancy, and social determinants of health were obtained for 196 countries and 4 territories. Social determinants included 10 indicators detailing country-level information to represent 5 key categories: economic stability, education, health & health care, neighbourhood & built environment, and social & community context. Analyses consisted of: 1) comparison of mean life expectancy among countries and territories with- and without- publicly funded health care; 2) correlations in life expectancy across social determinants by health care access and level of burden; and 3) correlations in life expectancy within social determinants for health care access by level of burden.

Results

Overall, life expectancy in countries and territories with- publicly funded health care (Mean (m) = 76.7 years) was significantly longer compared to countries and territories without- publicly funded health care (m = 66.8 years, P < 0.0001). For each social determinant, we observed longer life expectancy continued to be associated with publicly funded health care access across stratum (P < 0.0001), but difference in years of life expectancy existed both by burden of social determinant, as well as access to health care within quartiles of burden (Publicly funded care (yes): 68.12-80.88 years, (no): 62.39-77.33 years, all P < 0.05). Both social determinants as well as the availability of publicly funded health care were individually and simultaneously associated with mean longevity of life between countries and territories worldwide.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate how, if made widely available, publicly funded health care could extend longevity of life. If combined with programs to reduce the burden of social determinants, a substantial impact can be made to promote more equitable distribution of life expectancies across the world. Ultimately, both access to publicly funded care and reducing inequalities in social determinants are needed in order to promote longer and healthier aging in populations worldwide.

Nursing Care Experiences With Syrian Refugees in Southern Turkey: A Metaphor Analysis

BACKGROUND

Healthcare professionals' "cultural prejudices" toward individuals' cultural beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions affect the care they provide. Their awareness of their bias is closely associated with the quality of healthcare provided.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to assess nurses' perceptions regarding providing care to Syrian refugee patients using metaphors and to evaluate their views based on these metaphors.

METHODS

The participants in this qualitative study consisted of 80 nurses who worked in Level 1 and Level 2 health institutions. Data were collected using an interview form prepared by the researchers. The form included descriptive characteristics of the nurses and two expressions used to determine the nurses' opinions on providing care for Syrian refugee patients. The nurses were given an incomplete sentence, which was "Providing care for a Syrian refugee patient…because…," and were asked to complete the blanks. The data were analyzed using the content analysis method.

RESULTS

On the basis of "providing care for Syrian refugee patients," four categories of metaphors were determined: occupational awareness, health promotion, a difficult process/resistance, and providing service in vain. The participants generated 50 metaphors, with "humanity," "a baby/little child," and "a barrier" as the three most used metaphors, belonging to the "occupational awareness" and "a difficult process/resistance" categories, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The metaphors of nurses regarding giving care to Syrian refugee patients were mostly concentrated in the categories of "occupational awareness" and "a difficult process/resistance." Metaphors generated by the nurses offer a powerful research tool to reveal, understand, and explain nurses' personal perceptions and to develop and support nursing care accordingly. In addition, the subject of transcultural nursing should be discussed more extensively in nursing education programs. Understanding the social context of refugees is very important during the nursing care process.

Utilization of radiation therapy and predictors of noncompliance among Syrian refugees in Turkey

Background

Access to cancer care is a problem that continues to plague refugees displaced from their home countries. The turbulent political crisis in Syria, which has led to millions of refugees seeking asylum in Turkey, merits further attention. We aimed to study the rate of utilization of radiation therapy among Syrian refugees with cancer living in Turkey in an attempt to identify the contributing factors predictive of non-compliance with prescribed RT.

Methods

In this retrospective review of 14 institutional databases, Syrian refugee patients in Turkey with a cancer diagnosis from January 2015 to December 2019 who were treated with RT were identified. The demographic data, treatment compliance rates, and toxicity outcomes in these patients were surveyed. Variable predictors of noncompliance such as age, sex, diagnosis, treatment length, and toxicity were studied. The association between these variables and patient noncompliance was determined.

Results

We identified 10,537 patients who were diagnosed with cancer during the study period, of whom 1010 (9.6%) patients were treated with RT. Breast cancer (30%) and lung cancer (14%) were the most common diagnoses with up to 68% of patients diagnosed at an advanced stage (Stage III, IV). 20% of the patients were deemed noncompliant. Treatment with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.06–2.46, p = 0.023) and living in a refugee camp (OR 3.62, 95% CI 2.43–5.19, p < 0.001) were associated with noncompliance. Age, sex and treatment length were not significantly associated with noncompliance.

Conclusions

Noncompliance with radiotherapy among Syrian refugees in Turkey remains an area of concern with a multitude of factors contributing to these alarming numbers. Further studies to better ascertain the finer nuances of this intricately complex problem and a global combination of efforts can pave the way to providing a solution.

Cancer among syrian refugees living in Konya Province, Turkey

BACKGROUND

With more than 3.6 million Syrian refugees Turkey hosts the world's largest number of Syrians. Considering the morbidity, mortality, and healthcare spending, cancer is one of the leading health and economic burden for patients and healthcare systems. However, very limited information available in the scientific literature to understand the burden and characteristics of cancer in countries hosting Syrian refugees. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment outcome of Syrian cancer patients living in Konya, Turkey.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of Syrian cancer patients at three major institutions from 2005 to 2020. The information regarding demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were identified. The number of days between the first symptom and diagnosis was considered as the "diagnostic interval". Patients who failed to attend clinics within four weeks of appointment were assumed abandoned treatment. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

We identified 230 adult and 38 children refugee diagnosed with cancer during the study period. With regards to adult patients, there were 114 (49.6%) male and 116 (50.4%) female. The median age at diagnosis was 52.4, 47.3 years for male, female respectively. The five most common cancer by site among all were; breast (24.8%), colorectal (10.9%), lung (7.4%), central nervous system (CNS) (7.0%), and stomach (5.2%). 93 (40.4%) had metastatic disease at diagnosis. The overall survival probability was 37.5% at five years for the adult population. Data were extracted for 20 boys and 18 girls with childhood cancer. Their median age at diagnosis was 5.8 and 6.0 years respectively. The three most common childhood cancer were; leukemias (21.1%), lymphomas (21.1%), and CNS (13.2%). Excluding leukemia, 13 (43.3%) of childhood cancer cases had the advanced disease at diagnosis. Three year survival probality was 69.5%. The median diagnostic interval for adult and childhood cancer was 96.5 (IQR = 53-165) and 23 (IQR = 13.5-59) days respectively. Twenty-one adults and four children had treatment abandonment.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to understanding the burden of cancer among Syrian refugees living in Konya, growing health issue for refugees. Larger and prospective studies will help to measure the real burden and compare the difference in cancer risk factors, care, and outcomes among the refugee and host populations.

Public health consequences after ten years of the Syrian crisis: a literature review

Ten years of the Syrian war had a devastating effect on Syrian lives, including millions of refugees and displaced people, enormous destruction in the infrastructure, and the worst economic crisis Syria has ever faced. The health sector was hit hard by this war, up to 50% of the health facilities have been destroyed and up to 70% of the healthcare providers fled the country seeking safety, which increased the workload and mental pressure for the remaining medical staff. Five databases were searched and 438 articles were included according to the inclusion criteria, the articles were divided into categories according to the topic of the article.

Through this review, the current health status of the Syrian population living inside Syria, whether under governmental or opposition control, was reviewed, and also, the health status of the Syrian refugees was examined according to each host country. Public health indicators were used to summarize and categorize the information. This research reviewed mental health, children and maternal health, oral health, non-communicable diseases, infectious diseases, occupational health, and the effect of the COVID − 19 pandemic on the Syrian healthcare system. The results of the review are irritating, as still after ten years of war and millions of refugees there is an enormous need for healthcare services, and international organization has failed to respond to those needs. The review ended with the current and future challenges facing the healthcare system, and suggestions about rebuilding the healthcare system.

Through this review, the major consequences of the Syrian war on the health of the Syrian population have been reviewed and highlighted. Considerable challenges will face the future of health in Syria which require the collaboration of the health authorities to respond to the growing needs of the Syrian population. This article draws an overview about how the Syrian war affected health sector for Syrian population inside and outside Syria after ten years of war which makes it an important reference for future researchers to get the main highlight of the health sector during the Syrian crisis.

Vulnerabilities of Syrian refugee children in Turkey and actions taken for prevention and management in terms of health and wellbeing

BACKGROUND

The Syrian crisis, which started in March 2011, has resulted in the displacement of 6.3 million refugees predominantly to neighboring countries in addition to the internal displacement of 6.2 million people. Turkey is the country hosting the largest number of refugees in the world with 3.6 million Syrian refugees 46 % of which are under 18 years old.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to conduct a narrative review and analyze the vulnerabilities of refugee children in Turkey from the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), more specifically SDG Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, with a specific focus on Syrian refugee children. Moreover, this article explores the actions taken to prevent and mitigate issues that arise from these vulnerabilities.

METHOD

This narrative review article collected data from various primary and secondary sources on the Turkish refugee framework including national and international legislation, governmental and non-governmental data and reports, and scientific papers.

RESULTS

Syrian refugee children in Turkey are facing a variety of risks in terms of their health and wellbeing including communicable and non-communicable diseases, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, family violence, child labor, and child marriage. The measures taken for prevention and response by governmental and non-governmental entities are multilateral and aim to address issues from multiple perspectives including medical, psychosocial, child protection, and legal.

CONCLUSIONS

The interventions and restructuring of the health system in Turkey contribute to the SDG number 3 for refugee children. The existence of a legal system which enables refugee access to health, protection, and other social services is key to achieve this goal. However, the existing system could be improved especially through solidifying the legal basis and centralizing the implementation for child and refugee protection. The engagement of all stakeholders to improve the health and wellbeing of refugee children remains vital.

The differences in perinatal outcomes between refugee and resident mother-infant dyads: A retrospective study in Turkey between 2013 and 2018

In this study, we aimed to examine and compare the perinatal outcomes between refugee and resident mother-infant dyads. Data of refugee women who had given birth in a university hospital (n = 924) and matched resident mother-infant dyads (n = 957) were included. Analysis revealed higher adolescent pregnancy rates and lower rates of antenatal care attendance among refugee mothers compared to residents. No significant differences in neonatal outcomes were found, except for a significantly higher number of preterm births among refugee infants. Interventions should be made to ensure antenatal care for all pregnant women, which can also prevent preterm birth.

Refugee Mental Health, Global Health Policy, and the Syrian Crisis

The most recent global refugee figures are staggering, with over 82.4 million people forcibly displaced and 26.4 million registered refugees. The ongoing conflict in Syria is a major contributor. After a decade of violence and destabilization, over 13.4 million Syrians have been displaced, including 6.7 million internally displaced persons and 6.7 million refugees registered in other countries. Beyond the immediate political and economic challenges, an essential component of any response to this humanitarian crisis must be health-related, including policies and interventions specific to mental health. This policy and practice review addresses refugee mental health in the context of the Syrian crisis, providing an update and overview of the current situation while exploring new initiatives in mental health research and global health policy that can help strengthen and expand services. Relevant global health policy frameworks are first briefly introduced, followed by a short summary of recent research on refugee mental health. We then provide an update on the current status of research, service provision, and health policy in the leading destinations for Syrians who have been forcibly displaced. This starts within Syria and then turns to Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Germany. Finally, several general recommendations are discussed, including the pressing need for more data at each phase of migration, the expansion of integrated mental health services, and the explicit inclusion and prioritization of refugee mental health in national and global health policy.

Views and experiences of family physicians about Syrian refugee patients in Turkey: a qualitative research

AIM

The aim of this study was to describe the attitudes, views and solution proposals of family physicians (FPs) about primary healthcare problems of Syrian refugee patients. This study would be the very first study for Turkey that evaluates the attitudes, views and solution proposals of FPs about primary healthcare problems of Syrian refugee patients.

BACKGROUND

Following the anti-regime demonstrations that started in March 2011, the developments in Syria created one of the biggest humanitarian crises in the world and the largest number of asylum seekers continue to be hosted in Turkey. There are some studies evaluating asylum seekers' access to healthcare services in Europe, and the common result is that refugees have free access to primary healthcare services in most countries; however, they face many obstacles when accessing primary healthcare services. While there are studies in the literature evaluating the situation of access to primary healthcare services from the perspective of asylum seekers; there are few studies evaluating the opinions/views of FPs.

METHODS

A qualitative methodology informed by the grounded theory was used to guide the research. A total of 20 FPs were interviewed face to face through semi-structured interviews, using 12 questions about their lived experience and views caring of refugee population. Interviews were analysed thematically.

FINDING

The following themes were revealed: Benefiting from Primary Health Care Services, Benefiting from Rights, Differences Between the Approach/Attitudes of Turkish Citizens and Refugees, Barriers to Healthcare Delivery, Training Needs of Physicians, Solution proposals. FPs reported that there is a need for support in primary care and a need for training them and refugees in this regard and they specified refugee healthcare centres are the best healthcare centres for refugees; however, the number of these and provided services should be increased.

Conducting research on building psychosocial support for Syrian refugee families in a humanitarian emergency

Background

This case study describes research, which is located in Turkey, where more than 750,000 Syrian refugees reside autonomously in Istanbul. The research developed and pilot tested a novel model for helping urban refugee families with limited to no access to evidence-based mental health services, by delivering a transdiagnostic family intervention for common mental disorders in health and non-health sector settings using a task-sharing approach. This case study addresses the following question: What challenges were encountered in developing and piloting a low intensity trans-diagnostic family support intervention in a humanitarian emergency setting?

Discussion

The rapidly growing scale of humanitarian crises requires new response capabilities geared towards addressing populations with prolonged high vulnerability to mental health consequences and limited to no access to mental health, health, and social resources.

The research team faced multiple challenges in conducting this research in a humanitarian emergency setting including: 1) Non-existent or weak partnerships geared towards mental health research in a humanitarian emergency; 2) Lack of familiarity with task-sharing; 3).

Insufficient language and cultural competency; 3) Fit with families’ values and demands; 4) Hardships of urban refugees. Through the research process, the research team learned lessons concerning: 1) building a coalition of academic and humanitarian organization partners; 2) investing in the research capacity building of local researchers and partners; 3) working in a community-collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach.

Conclusion

Conducting research in humanitarian emergency settings calls for innovative collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches to understanding and addressing many sociocultural, contextual, practical and scientific challenge.

Refugees' Opinions about Healthcare Services: A Case of Turkey

Background: Migration is one of the most important social events in human history. In recent years, Turkey hosted a high number of asylum seekers and refugees, primarily because of continuing wars and radical social changes in the Middle East. Methods: Using a random sampling method, Syrian refugees aged 18 and over, who can communicate in Turkish, were reached via personal contact and a total of 714 refugees participated in the study voluntarily. Results: Turkey has mounted with some success and to point out that even though participating refugees in both provinces are young and healthy, almost 50% have bad or worse health status, 61% have chronic diseases, and 55% need regular medication. Participating refugees living in Şanlıurfa stated that ‘Hospitals are very clean and tidy.’ (3.80 ± 0.80). The answers given to the following statements had the highest mean for the participating refugees living in Kilis; ‘Hospitals are clean and tidy.’ (3.22 ± 1.25). Conclusion: Due to financial and human resource deficiencies, there are problems in providing preventive and therapeutic health services, especially to refugees living outside the refugee camps in bad conditions. It is important that refugees are encouraged to apply to family health and community health centers in this context.

The Impact of Middle Eastern Crisis on Cleft Care: Evaluation of Demographic and Perioperative Data in Syrian Refugees With Cleft Lip and Palate

The cleft lip and palate (CL/P) define a heterogeneous group of congenital deformities, which are morphologically highly diverse, with a complex and multifactorial etiology. Affected children may experience social problems due to negative effects on speech, hearing, facial appearance, as well as negative psychological effects on the parents. In 2011, after the civil war began in Syria, a great wave of immigration began to Turkey and other neighboring countries. Refugees may not be able to receive optimal health care because of cultural differences, socioeconomic status, language problems, and psychosocial problems. To increase awareness about this issue, the authors investigated the demographic, perioperative, and post-operative data of Syrian refugee patients with CL/P who were admitted to our cleft center between January 2016 and May 2019. Sixty-eight refugees with CL/P were detected as the result of the screening. Unlike the protocol the authors follow in our center, cleft lip repair was performed at an average of 7.6 months and cleft palate repair was performed at an average of 28.7 months of age. The rate of fistula was found 26.2%.The civil war in Syria has caused the repair of the patients with cleft lip and palate at a later age, hampered the follow-up and treatment, and caused more complications. Considering the demographic, social, economic and cultural characteristics of the patients, it was demonstrated that the necessary health precautions and infrastructure should be provided on the pillar of plastic surgery.

Thirty Years of Human Rights Study in the Web of Science Database (1990-2020)

The study of human rights (HR) is vital in order to enhance the development of human beings, but this field of study still needs to be better depicted and understood because violations of its core principles still frequently occur worldwide. In this study, our goal was to perform a bibliometric performance and network analysis (BPNA) to investigate the strategic themes, thematic evolution structure, and trends of HR found in the Web of Science (WoS) database from 1990 to June 2020. To do this, we included 25,542 articles in the SciMAT software for bibliometric analysis. The strategic diagram produced shows 23 themes, 12 of which are motor themes, the most important of which are discussed in this article. The thematic evolution structure presented the 21 most relevant themes of the 2011-2020 period. Our findings show that HR research is directly related to health issues, such as mental health, HIV, and reproductive health. We believe that the presented results and HR panorama presented have the potential to be used as a basis on which researchers in future works may enhance their decision making related to this field of study.

Epidemiologic Study of Syrian Refugees Underwent Surgery Due to Fracture in a Tertiary Reference Hospital in Turkey

Aim This study aims to analyze the spectrum, management, and outcome of Syrian refugees' fracture over four-year period, highlighting challenges in management and follow-up. Methods This was a retrospective review of Syrian refugee patients operated for fractures at our centre from January 2015 to January 2019. The patients were evaluated for age, gender, mechanism of injury, location and type of fracture, presence of accompanying injuries, surgical technique, complications, mortality and morbidity. The comparison of complications and postop outpatient clinic controls between Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees were also evaluated. Results The study included a total of 455 patients comprising 281 adults (202 males, 79 females) with a mean (SD) age of 41.1 (19.3) years and 174 children with a mean age of 8.8 (4.9) years. The trauma mechanism was most commonly fall in both adult and pediatric patients (86.6% / 73.5%). Whilst lower limb fractures were more common in adults (73.7%), upper limb fractures were more common in children (63.4%). The presence of accompanying trauma was determined in 21 (7.5%) adults and 10 (5.7%) children. Multiple fractures were determined in 12 (4.3%) adults and eight (4.6%) children. Plate fixation (PF) was most used in 137 (48.8%) adult patients and K-wire augmentation was used in 75 (43.1%) pediatric patients. Out of the 455 patients, 41 (14.6%) adults and 13 (7.3%) children developed complications. Whilst three adult patients were died during follow-up, no deaths were recorded in the pediatric patients. Complication rate was 54/455 in Syrian refugees and 32/455 in citizens. It was observed that the complication was significantly higher in immigrants (p: 0.017). Sixty-five (14.2%) Syrian immigrants did not come to the outpatient clinic control at all or once, while this rate was 29/455 (6.3%) for Turkish citizens (p = 0.012). Conclusion Inadequate living conditions and lack of communication faced by refugees reduce the rate of patient follow-up and negatively affect the results of orthopedic trauma.

Agile Application of Digital Health Interventions during the COVID-19 Refugee Response

The intersection of digital health platforms and refugee health in the context of the novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has not yet been explored. We discuss the ability of a novel mobile health (mhealth) platform to be effectively adapted to improve health access for vulnerable displaced populations. In a preliminary analysis of 200 Syrian refugee women, we found positive user feedback and uptake of an mhealth application to increase access to preventive maternal and child health services for Syrian refugees under temporary protection in Turkey. Rapid adaptation of this application was successfully implemented during a global pandemic state to perform symptomatic assessment, disseminate health education, and bolster national prevention efforts. We propose that mhealth interventions can provide an innovative, cost-effective, and user-friendly approach to access the dynamic needs of refugees and other displaced populations, particularly during an emerging infectious disease outbreak.

What is the emergency application differences concerning diseases pertinent to the chest between Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees: A cross-sectional study

AIM

Millions of Syrians were displaced after the Syrian civil war broke in 2011. Turkey hosts the largest number of refugees. This study aimed to describe the disease patterns of Syrian refugees applying to an emergency department.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included patients who presented to an emergency department between 2017 and 2018. Study data were retrieved from the hospital's electronic medical records registry. The main study outcome was the ICD-10 codes pertinent to "chest diseases." Additionally, analyzed data were nationality, age, sex, triage status on admission, hospitalization status, and examination date.

RESULTS

The number of emergency department admissions included in the study period was 378 487 persons, of which 14 262 (3.8%) were Syrian refugees. A total of 62 345 diagnoses (16.5%) were related to the respiratory system. Turkish patients had a significantly higher median age than Syrian refugees. Also, there were significantly more women among Syrian applicants, and acute bronchitis and asthma were more common among Syrian patients. However, the hospitalization rates were similar between the two groups. Moreover, Syrian patients had more applications during the summer seasons and had higher "Yellow" labels in the emergency triage.

CONCLUSION

There are differences in the disease patterns of Syrian refugees and Turkish citizens applying to the emergency department. This may be explained by the difficulty in communication which, to our opinion, may be reversed as language barriers are overcome and adaptation to the society is completed over time.

Evaluating the Provision of Health Services and Barriers to Treatment for Chronic Diseases among Syrian Refugees in Turkey: A Review of Literature and Stakeholder Interviews

Background: While Turkey hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees, the provision of health services for chronic disease among Syrian refugees in Turkey has been inadequate and understudied. This paper explores Turkish healthcare policies surrounding Syrian refugees’ access to health services for chronic diseases. Methods: We conducted a literature review and supplementary stakeholder interviews to evaluate the provision of chronic health services and the most common barriers to healthcare access among Syrian refugees in Turkey. Results: Though access to treatment for displaced Syrians has improved throughout the past five years, five primary barriers persist: registration procedure regulations, navigation of a new health system, language barriers, fear of adverse treatment, and cost. Conclusions: To drive improvements in healthcare for chronic diseases among Syrian refugees in Turkey, we recommend making registration procedures more accessible, developing more healthcare options in patients’ native language, increasing human resources, and advocating for more research surrounding chronic health conditions among refugees.