Psychological distresses endured by Syrian refugees at Alzatary Camp in Jordan
The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the types and prevalence of psychological distresses endured by Syrian refugees at Alzatary Camp in Jordan. This observational study was conducted over a period of 2 months (November and December 2012) at Alzatary Camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan. A validated questionnaire was filled by a field researcher to gather information on respondents’ living conditions, psychological distresses and perspectives of the medical care services provided.
The questionnaire was completed for 73 respondents with a mean age of 37.7 ± 11.2. A majority of refugees (63.3 %) lived in tents, and the rest in caravans. Some of the respondents (56 %) suffered from psychological distresses; 46 % believed that psychological therapy and support are needed, out of which 14.5 % reported receiving such therapy. Refugees staying in tents reported low satisfaction with the medical care services provided (54.2 % vs. 23.8 %) and a great need for psychological support (66.7 % vs. 31.3 %) when compared to refugees staying in caravans. Conclusion: Syrian refugees at Alzatary Camp suffer from psychological distress that requires urgent attention. Current medical support is not sufficient, especially for refugees staying in tents. In conclusion, Syrian refugees at Alzatary Camp suffer from numerous psychological distresses that require urgent attention by the responsible authorities. About half of the refugees reported dissatisfaction with the care provided to them and to their family members at the Camp. Refugees staying in tents reported greater dissatisfaction compared to refugees staying in caravans. Results of this study necessitate the establishment of a dedicated medical team to assess and coordinate the care delivered by the different international field hospitals available at the Camp, with a special focus on the refugees’ mental health.
Source: Psychological Impact of Life as Refugees: A Pilot Study on a Syrian Camp in Jordan; Basheti IA, Qunaibi EA and Malas R