o Gammouh, O. S., Al-Smadi, A. M., Tawalbeh, L. I., & Khoury, L. S. (2015). Chronic Diseases, Lack of Medications, and Depression among Syrian Refugees in Jordan, 2013?2014. Preventing chronic disease,12. DOI: 10.5888/pcd12.140424.
Introduction
Studying mental and physical health problems in refugees facilitates
providing suitable health care, thus improving their quality of
life. We studied depression tendency in Syrian refugees in Jordan
in the light of chronic diseases and medication availability. Also,
depression prevalence and depression comorbidity with chronic
diseases were identified.
Methods
In this multicenter cross-sectional survey, data from Syrian
refugees attending Caritas centers in 6 Jordanian cities from
November 2013 through June 2014 were analyzed. Participants?
demographics, depression, previously diagnosed chronic diseases,
and newly diagnosed chronic diseases and the availability of medications
were studied. Logistic regression was used to examine
predictors for depression.
Results
Of 765 refugees who participated, about one-third demonstrated
significant depression as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory.
Descriptive analyses showed that depression was comorbid
in 35% of participants with previously diagnosed chronic diseases
and in 40% of participants with newly diagnosed chronic
diseases. Newly diagnosed chronic diseases and lack of medications
significantly contributed to depression, but the regression
model as a whole explained less than 5% of the variance.
Conclusion
Because the regression model showed low effect size, we concluded
that newly diagnosed chronic diseases and medication
shortages could not predict depression in Syrian refugees residing
in Jordan. Therefore, further studies of additional factors are recommended.
Prompt measures have to be taken to prevent the
spread of chronic diseases and improve mental health in this fragile
population.