The differences in perinatal outcomes between refugee and resident mother–infant dyads: A retrospective study in Turkey between 2013 and 2018

Perinatal and Neonatal Outcomes of Refugee Infants in a Tertiary Hospital in Turkey

“…Kimyon et al reported that the incidence of ROP did not differ between refugee and native populations [ 27 ]. Also, Silahli et al found no significant difference in the incidence of NEC, IVH, PDA, and ROP between immigrants and residents, which was consistent with our findings [ 3 ]. In a study comparing the incidence of RDS and BPD between refugee and non-refugee Turkish neonates, RDS was found to be similar.…”

“…This could be related to social and cultural factors and the belief that marriage could provide protection in war. Adolescent pregnancy and consanguineous marriages were also higher in refugee pregnancies in our study, as reported previously in the literature [ 3 ]. This may be because our hospital is located in a region where refugees with low socioeconomic status come to settle.…”

“…Most morbidities at NICU admission did not differ between the two groups in our study. There are contradictory findings in the literature about the prevalence of prenatal hypoxia in refugee neonates [ 3 , 6 ]. Differences in regional conditions in access to health services in Turkey may be one reason for this.…”

“…Refugee groups are reported to have a greater rate of adolescent pregnancy and preterm births [ 2 , 3 ]. Additionally, it has been noted that diverse ethnic refugee groups in resettlement nations have a higher risk for gestational diabetes mellitus despite having a lower cesarean delivery rate when compared to women living in receiving countries [ 4 , 5 ].…”