Title:
Determinants of mental healthcare seeking behavior among Syrian refugee women in Türkiye, Lebanon, and Jordan
Authors:
Loulseged, Bethlehem Shiferaw
Place:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2024
PAGE:
x, 49
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Health seeking behaviour, Syrian refugee women, mental health services, utilization
Abstract:
Introduction Following the conflict, displaced Syrian refugees, including many women and girls, sought refuge in Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon, where they received temporary protection and healthcare services. Syrian refugee women experience high rates of mental disorders due to acute trauma and ongoing stressors such as changing gender roles, financial insecurity, and security risks. Despite high prevalence of mental disorder, their use of mental healthcare services remains low. This study aims to explore Syrian refugee women’s perceptions of mental disorders and analyze factors affecting their health-seeking behavior to enhance mental health interventions in host countries. Methodology Literature review was done using 32 peer reviewed articles and 57 grey literature and reports. The Andersen behavioural model was used to organize and discuss findings based on four categories: population characteristics, health behaviour, environment and outcomes. Results Trusted social networks were found to be primary sources of psychological support for Syrian refugee women. Lack of awareness about mental disorders and mental health services and high prevalence of stigma in the community affect health seeking behaviours of Syrian refugee women. Inadequate availability of affordable, culturally appropriate, accommodating and equitable service provision were barriers to seeking care. New initiatives like the digital mental health interventions has been shown to improve symptoms and increase satisfaction. However, gaps in coordination of services and policy shifts away from psychosocial and community-based services remain. Discussion Gender responsive policies and culturally tailored interventions with optimized coordination of activities are needed to effectively address mental health needs of Syrian refugee women.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute , VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Syria
Region:
West Asia
Training:
Master of Science in International Health (MIH)
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2024 Loulseged
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
HYT864S0Ul_20241105133838949.pdf