Trauma exposure, mental health and tobacco use among vulnerable Syrian refugee youth in Jordan

High-risk drug use among Palestinian adolescent refugees in the North West Bank Palestine

Palestinian adolescent refugees are at increased risk for behaviors that can lead to poor health outcomes, such as high-risk substance use. This research focuses on the prevalence of substance use and its relationship with depression among adolescent male refugees in Palestine's North-West Bank. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five of seven refugee camps to gather data using a proportional stratified sampling technique. A structured questionnaire-based interview was conducted to gather sociodemographic data, self-reported substance use, and depression scale information. Additionally, urine screening tests were used to detect the presence of different drugs in participants' urine samples. The final sample size was 386 refugee males; 24.0% were workers, and 13.7% worked previously. For self-reported substance use, 26.9%;12.4%; 28.0%; 37.0%; and 60.4%, 2.6% of adolescents reported current users of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, waterpipe, coffee, energy drinks (ED), and alcohol, respectively. Moreover, 3.4% tested positive for at least one drug. The drugs that tested positive were as follows: PCP (5%), MDMA (1.8%), THC (1.6%), BZO (0.5%), and MET (0.5%). The adjusted logistic regression showed an increased risk of depression among workers (OR = 3.777; p-value = 0.008), cigarette smokers (OR = 2.948; p-value = 0.04), waterpipe smokers (OR = 4.458; p-value = 0.041), and coffee users (OR = 2.883, p-value = 0.046). In conclusion, Palestinian adolescent refugees are at increased risk for behaviors that can lead to poor health outcomes, such as high-risk substance use, including illicit drugs, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and ED intake. The results of this study reveal alarming figures on drug use associated with depression in refugee camps which demand controlling interventions.

Tobacco use, trauma exposure and PTSD: a systematic review

Tobacco use remains one of the most significant preventable public health problems globally and is increasingly concentrated among vulnerable groups, including those with trauma exposure or diagnosed with PTSD. The goal of this systematic review was to update and extend previous reviews. Of the 7224 publications that met the initial criteria, 267 were included in the review. Summary topic areas include conceptual frameworks for the relation between trauma or PTSD and tobacco use; associations between trauma exposure or PTSD and tobacco use; number and type of trauma exposures and tobacco use; PTSD symptoms and tobacco use; Treatment-related studies; and the examination of causal relations. Evidence continues to indicate that individuals exposed to trauma or diagnosed with PTSD are more likely to use tobacco products, more nicotine dependent and less likely to abstain from tobacco even when provided evidence-based treatments than individuals without trauma. The most commonly cited causal association proposed was use of tobacco for self-regulation of negative affect associated with trauma. A small proportion of the studies addressed causality and mechanisms of action. Future work should incorporate methodological approaches and measures from which we can draw causal conclusions and mechanisms to support the development of viable therapeutic targets.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in youth exposed to the Syrian conflict: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and determinants

A decade of ongoing armed conflict in Syria has damaged the physical and mental health of millions of adults and children. This study aimed to systematically review the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among youth exposed to the Syrian conflict, and understand its individual and contextual determinants. The screening procedure resulted in 26 studies, with a total of 11,400 Syrian children and adolescents. The prevalence was 36% (95% CI (0.29-0.43), p < 0.001). Loss of family members or acquaintances, witnessing violence, and social withdrawal increased the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder, while social trust and social support were protective factors.

A systematic review of the factors influencing the risky behaviors of syrian forced migrant children and adolescents in Turkey

Risky behaviors are defined as emotional and behavioral problems that harm mental and physical health. The present study aimed to systematically review and synthesize research investigating the risky behaviors of Syrian children living in Turkey. The study was conducted through a systematic review of articles published in the Scopus and Web of Science database between 2013 and the present day, and met the STROBE reporting criteria. The inclusion criteria for studies in the systematic review were established, and studies that focused on Syrian-origin forced migrant child-adolescents aged 7-18 years and investigated risky behaviors without a clinical diagnosis and treatment purpose were included. Four studies with a sample of 790 children were examined. According to the findings of this study, there is a measurement issue for risky behaviors. In this study, there are numerous factors influencing risky behaviors, including those related to traumatic life events due to war, psychopathology, acculturation-related factors, and sociodemographic factors. The most significant finding highlighted in the study is the need for methodological improvements and context-specific studies to be repeated in future research, to ensure statistical generalizability and clinical implications in research on this subject.

Susceptibility to e-cigarette adoption among tobacco-naïve youths: a cross-sectional study in Shenzhen, China

Background

The rise in e-cigarette use among youth is a significant global public health issue. It is important to identify those at increased risk and implement effective strategies to reduce e-cigarette popularity among the youth.

Objective

This study aims to identify predictors of e-cigarette uptake in youths with no prior tobacco use, considering individual, familial and the broader societal environmental factors.

Methods

For this investigation, a group of 2,487 tobacco-free youths was selected from 15 high schools in Shenzhen, China. Susceptibility to e-cigarettes was determined by assessing the possibility of future use and the openness to trying e-cigarettes if presented by friends. Both chi-square tests and logistic regression were applied to identify factors linked to susceptibility to e-cigarette use.

Results

Among the respondents, 5.5% (n = 136) were found to be susceptible to e-cigarette use. The analysis revealed factors tied to this risk: perceptions of e-cigarettes, the impact of vaping peers, paternal parenting styles, the extent of social support, exposure to messages both for and against e-cigarettes use, and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. Youths who downplayed the addictive nature of e-cigarettes (aOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.14-3.55; p = 0.016), those with friends who engaged in vaping (aOR = 3.43-7.64; 95%CI: 2.36-20.42; p < 0.001), those experiencing over-protective or rejective maternal parenting (aOR = 1.68-3.01; 95%CI: 1.11-5.77; p = 0.001-0.014) or rejective paternal parenting (aOR = 3.63; 95%CI: 1.99-6.59; p < 0.001), those aware of e-cigarette advertisements (aOR = 1.82; 95%CI: 1.28-2.60; p = 0.001), and those exposed to SHS at home (aOR = 1.68; 95%CI: 1.17-2.41; p = 0.005) or at public places (aOR = 1.72-1.79; 95%CI: 1.21-2.57; p = 0.002-0.003) were more prone to e-cigarettes. In contrast, youths who believed using e-cigarettes reduces one's attractiveness (aOR = 0.34; 95%CI: 0.16-0.72; p = 0.005) or perceived that vaping made social interactions less enjoyable (aOR = 0.26; 95%CI: 0.12-0.58; p = 0.001), those who benefited from high social support (aOR = 0.30-0.60; 95%CI: 0.17-0.97; p < 0.001), and those who noticed message about e-cigarettes' adverse consequence (aOR = 0.54; 95%CI: 0.38-0.77; p = 0.001) were less likely to be inclined toward e-cigarette use.

Conclusion

The propensity of the youth to e-cigarette usage is shaped by a multiple element. An all-encompassing strategy that addresses the individual, familial, and the broader societal aspects is imperative for the effective prevention of e-cigarette initiation among youth.

Life stressors, tobacco use, and mental health among Palestinian youths: The mediating role of quality of life and physical activity

The current study tested the association between life stressors and tobacco use and mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety, among Palestinian youths and whether quality of life (QoL) and physical activity can mediate the association between these variables. The sample consisted of 405 Palestinian youths, 245 male and 160 female; all were selected using online methods. Our findings revealed that life stressors were positively correlated with tobacco use (r = .20, p < .01), anxiety (r = -0.32, p < .01), and depression (r = .23, p < .01), while life stressors were negatively correlated with physical activity (r = -0.15, p < .01) and QoL (r = -0.41, p < .01). Results of structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that QoL and physical activity mediated the association between life stressors and depression and anxiety. Our findings underline the importance of increasing physical activity levels among youths as a protective factor against tobacco use, depression, and anxiety. Moreover, community and school-based interventions to promote QoL and positive mental health in adolescents and youths should incorporate frequent physical activity and engagement in individual or team sports.

Psychosocial wellbeing and risky health behaviors among Syrian adolescent refugees in South Beirut: a study using the HEEADSSS interviewing framework

Purpose

Adolescent refugees are at risk of mental health disorders and underdiagnosed risky behaviors. Limited research exists in the Middle East and North Africa. This study aims to assess psychosocial wellbeing and risk-taking behaviors among adolescent refugees displaced to South Beirut following a standardized framework.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using face-to-face confidential HEEADSSS (Home, Education/Employment, Eating, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Safety and Suicide/Depression) interviews was conducted among 52 Syrian adolescent refugees, between the ages of 14 and 21, in a health center in South Beirut.

Results

The mean age of the interviewees was 17.04 ± 1.77 years, with a male predominance 34 (65.4%). Five (9.6%) were married, 38 (73.1%) were not attending school 27 (52.9%) lived in a place with a crowding index ≥3.5 and 21 (40.4%) were working. Risky health concerns or behaviors detected included no activities or exercise 38 (73.1%), eating one to two meals per day 39 (75%) and smoking 22 (42.3%). Eleven (21.2%) have been ever offered drugs and 22 (42.3%) believed they should carry a weapon for protection. Twenty one out of 32 (65.7%) had major depressive disorders and 33 (63.5%) screened positive for behavioral problems. Exposure to home verbal or physical violence, male gender, smoking, and employment were associated with high scoring in behavioral problems. Smoking and ever been touched in an unwanted way were found to be associated with depression.

Conclusion and practical implications

Implementing the HEEADSSS interviewing assessment within medical encounters with refugee adolescents is one efficient way to detect risky health behaviors and mental health problems. Interventions need to be implemented as early as possible in the refugees' journey to help them cope and gain resilience. Training health care providers to conduct the questionnaire and delivering brief counseling when required is recommended. Establishing a network of referrals to provide multidisciplinary care to adolescents can be helpful. Obtaining a fund to distribute safety helmets for adolescent motorbike drivers can be a way to reduce injuries. More research among adolescent refugees in multiple settings, including teenagers in the host country, is needed to serve this population better.

Prevalence of Cigarettes and Waterpipe Smoking among Jordanians, Refugees, and Migrants in Jordan and Its Associated Factors: A Secondary Data Analysis

Smoking is a major public health threat resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of current smoking among different adult populations in Jordan, including Jordanians, refugees, and migrants and determine the factors associated with smoking. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the period of June-September 2021 among Jordanians, Syrian refugees (both urban and camp refugees), and migrants living in four governorates in Jordan, including Amman, Zarqa, Mafraq, and Irbid. The selection of the four governorates was based on criteria related to the presence of Syrian refugees in host communities. The highest prevalence of cigarette smoking was among urban Jordanians (51.1%), followed by non-camp refugees (46.7%), while the highest prevalence for waterpipe (43.2%) and dual smoking (28.7%) was among non-camp refugees. Being male, aged 25-45 years old, unemployed, and having less than a high school education, as well as being urban Jordanians, were all associated with higher odds of cigarette smoking. Being male, unemployed, and urban Jordanians or non-camp refugees were variables associated with higher odds of waterpipe smoking. The study findings indicate that the identification of smoking prevalence in Jordan and its associated factors, including gender, educational level, employment status, regional area, migration, and exposure to traumas, should be considered by healthcare providers to formulate smoking cessation programs tailored to their needs and ultimately reduce smoking prevalence.

The Association of Conflict-Related Trauma with Markers of Mental Health Among Syrian Refugee Women: The Role of Social Support and Post-Traumatic Growth

Background

Syrian refugee women not only suffered the refuging journey but also faced the burden of being the heads of their households in a new community. We aimed to investigate the mental health status, traumatic history, social support, and post-traumatic growth (PTG) of Syrian refugee women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured interviewer-administered survey between August and November 2019. Syrian refugee women who head their households and live outside camps were eligible. The survey included items investigating socio-demographic characteristics and conflict-related physical trauma history. The Refugee Health Screener-15 (RHS-15) scale was used to screen for emotional distress symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with a score range of 0-4 and higher scores indicating emotional distress. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was utilized to assess the perceived support from family, friends, and significant others (score range 1-7), with scores of 3-5 and 5.1-7.0 representing moderate and high support, respectively. The PTG Inventory (PTGI) scale investigated the positive transformation following trauma; the score range was 0-5, and the cutoff point of ≥3 defined moderate-to-high growth levels.

Results

Out of 140 invited refugee women, 95 were included, with a response rate of 67.9%. Their mean (SD) age was 41.30 (11.75) years, 50.5% were widowed, and 17.9% reported their husbands as missing persons. High levels of conflict-related traumatic exposure were found, including threats of personal death (94.7%), physical injury (92.6%), or both (92.6%); and a history of family member death (92.6%), missing (71.6%), or injury (53.7%). The mean (SD) RHS-15 score was above average (2.08 (0.46)), and most women (90.5%) were at high risk for depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. The mean (SD) MSPSS score was 5.08 (0.71), representing moderate social support, with friends' support being the highest (5.23 (0.85)). The mean (SD) PTGI score was 2.44 (0.48), indicating low growth, with only 12.6% of women experiencing moderate-to-high growth levels. Spiritual change and personal strength had the highest sub-scores, with moderate-to-high growth levels experienced by 97.9% and 84.2%, respectively. Most women were more optimistic and religious, had feelings of self-reliance and better difficulties adapting, and were stronger than they thought. Statistically significant correlations of MSPSS and its subscales with RHS-15 and PTGI were detected.

Conclusion

Significant but unspoken mental health problems were highly prevalent among Syrian refugee women and an imminent need for psychological support to overcome traumatic exposure. The role of social support seems to be prominent and needs further investigation.

The influence of social support on posttraumatic stress symptoms among children and adolescents: a scoping review and meta-analysis

Background

Several risk and protective factors play a role in the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in children and youth. The evidence for social support (SS) as a protective factor is rising; however, a review of the evidence is lacking.

Objective

This scoping review and meta-analysis aims to map out and synthesize the present research on the influence of social support on PTSS in children and adolescents.

Method

The literature searched through PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, and CINAHL identified 3629 abstracts. Ninety articles published from 1999 to 2020 were selected, including a total of 77,439 participants.

Results

Most papers focused on social and emotional support from family members (36/88) and peers (26/88); other types of support (e.g., informational support and support from professionals) were not widely reported. The cross-sectional studies illustrated an overall significant, but weak, negative correlation between global social support and PTSS. A similar weak negative association was found between family support and PTSS. The association between peer support and PTSS was not significant. For longitudinal studies, 4 of 5 indicated that SS was a significant negative predictor of PTSS.

Conclusions

There was conceptual, methodological, and statistical heterogeneity of the identified studies. This review suggests a weak negative relationship between global SS and PTSS in children and adolescents. Higher global SS was related to less PTSS. The evidence regarding family support revealed a more stable negative relationship with PTSS than that for peer support. Investigating social support without specifying the form of support confounds the effect. Studies on informational, teacher, or professional support seem to be lacking. More studies are needed on the longitudinal effects of SS on PTSS.

Smoking habits and the influence of war on cigarette and shisha smoking in Syria

Tobacco smoking might be impacted by various influences, including psychological, socio-cultural, and economic factors. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Syrian Arab Republic from March to April 2019 using a web-based questionnaire. The survey aimed at assessing tobacco use (shisha and cigarettes) as well as examining the association between current tobacco use and various sociodemographic and war-related factors. The sample comprised 978 participants (251 males: 727 females) and had a mean age of 24.7 years (SD: 7.60). Most participants were single (n = 825, 84.4%), reside in Damascus and Rif-Dimashq (n = 579, 59.2%), and had a college/university education (n = 911, 93.1%). Concerning smoking, a total of 371 participants (37.9%) were identified to be current tobacco smokers, of whom 211, 84, 76 were exclusive shisha smokers, exclusive cigarette smokers, and dual smokers, respectively. The prevalence of cigarette smoking (exclusive and dual) among males and females was found to be 34.7%, and 10.0%, respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence of shisha smoking (exclusive and dual) among males and females was around 34.3% and 27.6%, respectively. Additionally, various factors have predicted a higher likelihood of cigarette smoking including male gender (AOR = 4.152; 95% CI: 2.842-6.064; p<0.001), and losing someone due to the war (AOR = 1.487; 95% CI: 1.028-2.151; p = 0.035), while unemployed individuals were found to have lower odds of being cigarette smokers (AOR = 0.634; 95% CI: 0.429-0.937; p = 0.022). Concerning shisha smoking, married (AOR = 0.622; 95% CI: 0.402-0.963; p = 0.033), and unemployed individuals (AOR = 0.679; 95% CI: 0.503-0.916; p = 0.011) were found to have lower odds of shisha smoking. Amid the tobacco epidemic in the region, rates of tobacco use in Syria are still worrying. The Syrian armed conflicts may possess a double-edged effect on smoking, and tobacco users who adopt smoking to cope with various stressors should be targeted with well-structured health education, along with appropriate psychological services.