No abstract

Minimizing inequalities in pregnancy outcomes between Syrian refugees and Jordan women is a healthcare priority. The findings could guide the planning and development of health policies in Jordan that would help to alleviate the situation regarding refugee populations. Action is required by policy makers, specifically targeting public and primary healthcare services, to address the problem of adequately meeting the needs for antenatal care of this vulnerable population.

The objective of this study was to examine awareness of Jordanian married women and men of preconception care. A total of 763 (537 women and 226 men) Jordanians who attended maternal and child healthcare centres in a city, in the centre of Jordan, were included in the current study. The Health before Pregnancy Questionnaire was used to collect the data from participants, while they waited to be seen by the healthcare provider in the health centres. Family history of chronic disorders, 1st-degree consanguineous marriages and planning pregnancy were associated with awareness of preconception care. Around 50% of participants were aware of the serious impact that a woman's and man's family history can have on the health of their babies. The majority of participants were aware of changes that should be made prior to conception.

Development of national evidence-based policies and quality assurance systems would help reduce the rate of obstetric interventions and give greater emphasis to respect for women's preferences during labour and birth.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is recognized as a common maternal health problem, but few studies have investigated the postpartum mental health of refugee women. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the prevalence of PPD symptoms and associated factors among Syrian refugee women living in north Jordan. Women (N = 365) were recruited from four health care centers in Ramtha and Jarash, cities in northern Jordan. Participants completed a demographic data form, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Maternal Social Support Scale at 6-8 weeks postpartum. Half (49.6%; n = 181) of the Syrian refugee women scored >12 on the EPDS. PPD symptoms were significantly associated with low social support, low monthly income, and recent immigration (less than 2 years). There is a high level of PPD symptoms among Syrian refugee women, many of whom are living in poverty and with limited social support. The results highlight the need for immediate action by governments to support childbearing refugee women with early screening for psychosocial risk and respond to women's physical and mental health, and social needs through interservice collaboration. Social support programs would meet an important need for these women, as would ongoing assessment by health professionals and early intervention for women who screen positive for PPD. K E Y W O R D SJordan, postpartum depression (PPD), refugee, social support, Syria, women