Mental Health Problems of Syrian Refugee Children: Post-Traumatic Stress, Depression and Anxiety

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the levels of post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety in Syrian children who live in refugee camps. Designs and methods: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted using the Child Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction Index (CPTS-RI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-Trait Form (STAIC-Trait Form) and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). The study sample included 1115 Syrian refugee children. Results: The mean age of refugee children was 10.53 +/- 2.79 years. Of them, 52% were males and 38% had no diseases while 74% were smokers and smoked 8.39 +/- 6.85 cigarettes per day. The children's mean score on CPTS-RI, STAIC-Trait Form and CDI was found to be 60.59 +/- 14.50, 54.11 +/- 14.55 and 47.57 +/- 10.97, respectively. The regression analysis revealed that anxiety and depression had a statistically significant association with post-traumatic stress. Conclusions: The study findings revealed that refugee children have physical and psychosocial health problems and experience a high level of post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.