MENTAL HEALTH OF SYRIAN ASYLUM SEEKERS IN TURKEY: THE ROLE OF PRE-MIGRATION AND POST-MIGRATION RISK FACTORS

Syrian people fleeing their countries due to internal conflicts can be at high risk for mental health problems because they have to deal with multiple stressor events like traumatic events, forced migration, and living difficulties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relative contribution of pre-migration traumatic events and post-migration living difficulties to mental health outcomes of Syrian asylum seekers residing in Turkish camps. One hundred eleven asylum seekers, living in three different camps located on the Syrian border of Turkey were administered an interview package including informed consent form, socio-demographic form, Harvard Trauma Questionnaire Revised Part I and IV, Post-Migration Living Difficulties and Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25. Hierarchical regression analyses yielded that loss of loved ones among pre-migration traumatic events was found as a significant predictor for post-traumatic stress and depression whereas loss of culture and support among post-migration living difficulties was observed as more impactful determinant of each psychological problem. The findings of the study were expected to have implications for intervention development targeting current stressors as well as traumatic events, and program and policy development aimed at improving life conditions and strengthening support systems of asylum seekers to promote coping.