A qualitative research on mental health and psychosocial issues impacting Syrian refugee women in Turkey

Abstract

Background: Due to the civil war since 2011, around 4 million Syrian refugees have migrated to Turkey from their home countries. It is well known that being a refugee, especially a female refugee, is considered to be one of the highest risk group in conflict areas. The psychological adaption challenges and extreme feelings of homesickness have resulted in mental health issues that are more prevalent among refugee women. This study aims to understand how context-specific factors influence Syrian refugee women’ psychosocial wellbeing and mental health through focus group discussions. Methods: A total of 9 focus groups were conducted with Syrian women (4), Syrian men (3) and stakeholders (2). Qualitative assessment was used to examine the experiences related to the psychological health difficulties of Syrian women living in Turkey with temporary protection status. Thematic analysis was run to analyze the data by coding and identifying themes or patterns. In this study, their psychosocial problems, intention to seek professional help, access to existing services, challenges in access to, and expectations regarding these services were evaluated. Results: Refugee women experience psychological and social difficulties just because they are women. Also, refugee women seem to be more vulnerable to psychological problems than men due to the effect of patriarchal ideology and the problems experienced before the forced migration. Conclusions:Psychosocial well-being of Syrian refugee women is affected by the social, economic and political atmosphere, and it is important to develop policies that address the needs of these women.