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Zangiabadi S, Alghalyini B, Zoubi F, Tamim H. Effect of food insecurity on depression, anxiety, and stress among resettled Syrian refugees in Ontario. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002571. [PMID: 38489325 PMCID: PMC10942079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Food insecurity has been linked to adverse health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations such as refugees. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of food insecurity and its association with depression, anxiety, and stress among resettled Syrian refugee parents in Ontario. This was a cross-sectional study with a total of 540 Syrian refugee parents who resided in Ontario for an average of four years and had at least one child less than 18 years who were interviewed. Information about food insecurity was collected based on the question "During the past year, did you ever eat less because there was not enough food or money for food?". Levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between food insecurity and depression, anxiety, and stress after adjusting for sociodemographic, migration-, and health-related factors. 44.6% of respondents reported experiencing food insecurity. Of participants, 7.6%, 8.9%, and 8.5% reported severe to extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that food insecurity was significantly associated with higher levels of depression (Adjβ = 2.00, p = 0.008), anxiety (Adjβ = 1.53, p = 0.013), and stress (Adjβ = 1.87, p = 0.019). Implementation of effective government interventions and frameworks are essential to reduce food insecurity among resettled Syrian refugees to ultimately improve their mental health outcomes and overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safoura Zangiabadi
- School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Baraa Alghalyini
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatmeh Zoubi
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hala Tamim
- School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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The global burden of perinatal common mental health disorders and substance use among migrant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Public Health 2023; 8:e203-e216. [PMID: 36841561 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(22)00342-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are one billion migrants globally, of whom 82 million are forced migrants. Pregnant migrants face pre-migration stressors such as conflict, transit stressors including poverty, and post-migration stressors including navigating the immigration system; these stressors can make them vulnerable to mental illness. We aimed to assess the global prevalence of and risk factors for perinatal mental health disorders or substance use among women who are migrants. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched OVID MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, Global Health, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published from database inception until July 8, 2022. Cohort, cross-sectional, and interventional studies with prevalence data for any mental illness in pregnancy or the postnatal period (ie, up to a year after delivery) or substance use in pregnancy were included. The primary outcome was the prevalence of perinatal common mental health disorders among women who are migrants, globally. Data for study quality and risk factors were also extracted. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates, when appropriate. Sensitivity analyses were conducted according to study quality, sample representativeness, and method of outcome assessment. Risk factor data were synthesised narratively. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021226291. FINDINGS 18 650 studies were retrieved, of which 135 studies comprising data from 621 995 participants met the inclusion criteria. 123 (91%) of 135 studies were conducted in high-income host countries. Five (4%) of 135 studies were interventional, 40 (30%) were cohort, and 90 (66%) were cross-sectional. The most common regions of origin of participants were South America, the Middle East, and north Africa. Only 26 studies presented disaggregated data for forced migrants or economic migrants. The pooled prevalence of perinatal depressive disorders was 24·2% (range 0·5-95·5%; I2 98·8%; τ2 0·01) among all women who are migrants, 32·5% (1·5-81·6; 98·7%; 0·01) among forced migrants, and 13·7% (4·7-35·1; 91·5%; 0·01) among economic migrants (p<0·001). The pooled prevalence of perinatal anxiety disorders was 19·6% (range 1·2-53·1; I2 96·8%; τ2 0·01) among all migrants. The pooled prevalence of perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among all migrant women was 8·9% (range 3·2-33·3; I2 97·4%; τ2 0·18). The pooled prevalence of perinatal PTSD among forced migrants was 17·1% (range 6·5-44·3; I2 96·6%; τ2 0·32). Key risk factors for perinatal depression were being a recently arrived immigrant (ie, approximately within the past year), having poor social support, and having a poor relationship with one's partner. INTERPRETATION One in four women who are migrants and who are pregnant or post partum experience perinatal depression, one in five perinatal anxiety, and one in 11 perinatal PTSD. The burden of perinatal mental illness appears higher among women who are forced migrants compared with women who are economic migrants. To our knowledge, we have provided the first pooled estimate of perinatal depression and PTSD among women who are forced migrants. Interpreting the prevalence estimate should be observed with caution due to the very wide range found within the included studies. Additionally, 66% of studies were cross-sectional representing low quality evidence. These findings highlight the need for community-based routine perinatal mental health screening for migrant communities, and access to interventions that are culturally sensitive, particularly for forced migrants who might experience a higher burden of disease than economic migrants. FUNDING UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR); March of Dimes European Preterm Birth Research Centre, Imperial College; Imperial College NIHR Biomedical Research Centre; and Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford.
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Anemia among Syrian Refugee Children Aged 6 to 23 Months Living in Greater Beirut, Lebanon, including the Voices of Mothers' and Local Healthcare Staff: A Mixed-Methods Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030700. [PMID: 36771406 PMCID: PMC9920708 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, the prevalence of anemia among children during the period of complementary feeding is high. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was conducted to examine the main determinants of anemia among Syrian refugee children aged 6 to 23 months (n = 215) and to illuminate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of their mothers and Lebanese healthcare staff on its causes and available treatment options. 42% of the children and 20% of their mothers were anemic. Determinants of child anemia were the mother having anemia or not knowing that fish/seafood is a source of iron; the child having been acutely ill the last two weeks or receiving cow's milk, but not consuming iron-rich infant formula, added fats/oils, or fruits in the previous 24 hours. Several Syrian mothers knew some causes of anemia and named dizziness as a leading symptom but did not mention flesh foods as a key source of heme iron. They reported financial constraints in accessing iron-rich foods and supplements. Lebanese doctors largely gave appropriate dietary advice and prescribed iron supplements as treatment. Multisectoral interventions are needed that combine medical and financial support with nutrition counseling for mothers to reduce the high burden of anemia among young children living in a multiple crises situation.
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Nutritional and health status of adult Syrian refugees in the early years of asylum in Germany: a cross-sectional pilot study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2217. [PMID: 36447164 PMCID: PMC9706931 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14684-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migration is usually accompanied by changes in the social, cultural, and religious environment, socioeconomic status, and housing conditions, all of which affect nutritional health. In a cross-sectional study, we assessed the dietary intake as well as nutritional and health situation in a population of Syrian refugees who have resided in Germany for at least six months up to four years since 2015. The primary aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the nutritional and health status in comparison to reference values. METHODS Between December 2018 and March 2020, 114 adult Syrian refugees were included in the study. The subjects filled out questionnaires on sociodemographic variables, exercise, and nutrition behavior (three-day nutrition record). After a fasting blood draw, the subjects were examined for anthropometric parameters (height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, and body composition via a bioelectrical impedance analyzer). Various blood markers including iron status, hematological parameters, Vitamin D status, lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, and total homocysteine (tHcy) were measured. RESULTS About half of the participants (71 male, 43 female) had lived in Germany for less than three years. Over 60% of men and 30% of women were overweight (BMI 25-30 kg/m2) or obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2), while 79% of men and 74% of women observed an elevated body fat mass. The evaluation of the three-day nutrition records revealed an unfavorable supply situation for numerous critical nutrients. More than half of the women (53.5%) had depleted iron stores (serum ferritin < 15 µg/l). The 25-OH-Vitamin D blood levels showed a high prevalence of Vitamin D insufficiency (25-49.9 nmol/l: 38% of men and 21% of women) and deficiency (< 25 nmol/l: 44% of men and 70% of women). 83% of men and 67% of women showed tHcy levels in plasma > 10 nmol/l. Fasting insulin levels and the HOMA-IR index indicate a risk for insulin resistance. Hyperlipidemia was prevalent, especially in males with 24% showing hypertriglyceridemia (> 150 mg/dl) and LDL-hypercholesterolemia (> 130 mg/dl). CONCLUSIONS The nutritional and health status of the cohort of Syrian refugees in Germany examined in this study is unsatisfactory, and many of the investigated refugees are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Further studies are required to investigate the nutritional and health situation of refugees. This is obligatory to find ways to avoid malnutrition with all its associated health, sociodemographic, and economic consequences.
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Abou-Rizk J, Jeremias T, Nasreddine L, Jomaa L, Hwalla N, Frank J, Scherbaum V. Infant Feeding Practices, Nutrition, and Associated Health Factors during the First Six Months of Life among Syrian Refugees in Greater Beirut, Lebanon: A Mixed Methods Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14214459. [PMID: 36364722 PMCID: PMC9654662 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective was to describe infant feeding practices, nutrition and related health aspects of infants under six months among Syrian refugees in Greater Beirut, Lebanon. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Syrian refugee mothers with infants under six months in July-October 2018 (N = 114). Additionally, eleven focus group discussions were conducted to explore supportive factors and barriers associated with early breastfeeding practices. The prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding was high (62.5%), whereas early initiation of breastfeeding was low (31%), and exclusive breastfeeding very low (24.6%). One-fifth of the infants were anemic (20.5%) and 9.6% were wasted. A significantly higher proportion of non-exclusively breastfed infants had a fever and took medicines than those who were exclusively breastfed. Supporting factors of adequate infant feeding practices comprised knowledge on maternal nutrition and exclusive breastfeeding, along with receiving support from healthcare professionals and family members. Identified barriers included preterm delivery, pre-lacteal feeding, an at-risk waist circumference and moderate to severe depression among mothers, bottle feeding, early introduction of food, maternal health reasons, breastmilk substitutes' distribution, and misinformation offered by mothers-in-law. To address sub-optimal feeding practices documented among Syrian refugees, awareness on proper breastfeeding practices, maternal nutrition, and psychosocial support should be provided to mothers and family members alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Abou-Rizk
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Correspondence: or
| | - Theresa Jeremias
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Lara Nasreddine
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon
| | - Lamis Jomaa
- Department of Human Sciences, College of Health and Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA or
- Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon
| | - Nahla Hwalla
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon
| | - Jan Frank
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Veronika Scherbaum
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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Nasreddine LM, Naja FA, Hwalla NC, Ali HI, Mohamad MN, Chokor FAZS, Chehade LN, O'Neill LM, Kharroubi SA, Ayesh WH, Kassis AN, Cheikh Ismail LI, Al Dhaheri AS. Total Usual Nutrient Intakes and Nutritional Status of United Arab Emirates Children (<4 Years): Findings from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) 2021. Curr Dev Nutr 2022; 6:nzac080. [PMID: 35592517 PMCID: PMC9113371 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzac080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transition from a predominantly milk-based diet to a diverse family diet is a window of opportunity for optimal child growth and development. Objectives The study aims to examine the nutritional status and food-consumption patterns of children under 4 y of age in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and their adherence to nutrient and dietary recommendations. Methods A population-based cross-sectional survey of 525 children aged 0-47.9 mo was conducted in 3 major emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and dietary assessment was conducted using the 24-h dietary recall approach. Usual intakes of energy, macronutrient, and micronutrients, including from supplements, were assessed using PC-SIDE software. Adherence to food-group recommendations was evaluated based on the American Heart Association/American Academy of Pediatrics dietary guidelines. Results Among 0-4-y-old children, 10% were stunted, 6% were wasted, 17% were at risk of overweight, 5% were overweight, and 3% were obese. The contribution of sweets and sugar sweetened beverages to energy intake increased from 5% in 6-11.9-mo-old children to 17% in 36-47.9-mo-old children. Compared with dietary guidelines, the lowest adherence was for fruit (13-18%) and vegetables (7-12%), while protein was within the recommendations, and 92% and 89% of children (aged 24 to 35.9 mo and 36 to 47.9 mo, respectively) had high intakes of saturated fat. Almost all toddlers failed to meet the Adequate Intake for fiber. The proportions of children exceeding the free-sugar upper limit increased from 10.6% in infants (0-5.9 mo) to 56.7% in toddlers (12- 23.9 mo). Micronutrient inadequacies were observed, particularly for calcium, zinc, folate, and vitamins A and D. Conclusions This study suggests a triple burden of malnutrition among infants and young children in the UAE. Results call for national nutrition intervention strategies aimed at improving dietary quality in the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Nasreddine
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah A Naja
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nahla C Hwalla
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Habiba I Ali
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maysm N Mohamad
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima Al Zahraa S Chokor
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lara N Chehade
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lynda M O'Neill
- Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Nestlé Research Center, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Vers-chez-les-Blanc, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Samer A Kharroubi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wafaa H Ayesh
- Public Health Protection Department, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amira N Kassis
- Whiteboard Nutrition Science, Beaconsfield, Quebec, Canada
| | - Leila I Cheikh Ismail
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ayesha S Al Dhaheri
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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