Scientific Reports
Volume 9, Issue 1, 2019
High rates of maternal depression amongst Syrian refugees in Lebanon - a pilot study (Article) (Open Access)
Stevenson K.* ,
Alameddine R. ,
Rukbi G. ,
Chahrouri M. ,
Usta J. ,
Saab B. ,
Bennett P. ,
Glover V. ,
Reynolds R.M.
-
a
Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 ONN, United Kingdom
-
b
American University of Beirut Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
-
c
American University of Beirut Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
-
d
American University of Beirut Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
-
e
American University of Beirut Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
-
f
American University of Beirut Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
-
g
Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 ONN, United Kingdom
-
h
Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 ONN, United Kingdom
-
i
University of Edinburgh, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen’s Medical Research Centre, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
Abstract
This pilot study compares symptoms of depression and risk factors amongst Syrian refugees and low-income Lebanese mothers accessing a primary care centre in Beirut between January and June 2018. Women who gave birth in the previous two years or who were currently pregnant were included in the study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Arabic Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Correlations between EPDS score and sociodemographic and mental health variables were analysed using Pearson’s coefficient and ANOVA. 35 Syrian and 25 Lebanese women were recruited, 15 of whom were pregnant. EPDS scores were high in the whole group (mean 16.12 (SD 7.72), n = 60). Scores were higher amongst Syrian refugees than Lebanese mothers (17.77, SD 7.66 vs, 13.80, SD 7.34, p < 0.05). Illegal residence (p < 0.001), domestic violence (p < 0.05) and a history of mental illness (p < 0.01) were associated with higher scores. This pilot study demonstrates high rates of symptoms of depression amongst mothers in this population. Symptoms were particularly prevalent amongst Syrian refugees; three-quarters were ‘probably depressed’ and would warrant psychiatric assessment. This highlights the importance of improved mental healthcare for refugee mothers, the importance of addressing the social determinants of maternal mental health and further research into the effects of depression on these women and their children. © 2019, The Author(s).
Author Keywords
[No Keywords available]
Index Keywords
[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85070919766&doi=10.1038%2fs41598-019-48247-5&partnerID=40&md5=7c457d9cfc72aaa902554cf30fe02df7
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48247-5
ISSN: 20452322
Original Language: English