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Psychosocial Health in Displaced Iraqi Care-Seekers in Non-Governmental Organization Clinics in Amman, Jordan: An Unmet Need

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Farah Bader ,
Rakhi Sinha ,
Jennifer Leigh ,
Neerav Goyal ,
Allen Andrews ,
Natalia Valeeva ,
Adam Sirois  and
Shannon Doocy
Farah Bader
Affiliation:
1Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
Rakhi Sinha
Affiliation:
1Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
Jennifer Leigh
Affiliation:
1Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
Neerav Goyal
Affiliation:
1Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
Allen Andrews
Affiliation:
1Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
Natalia Valeeva
Affiliation:
2International Medical Corps
Adam Sirois
Affiliation:
2International Medical Corps
Shannon Doocy*
Affiliation:
2International Medical Corps
*
Department of International HealthJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthSuite E8132615 N. Wolfe St.Baltimore, Maryland 21205 USA E-mail: sdoocy@jhsph.edu
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Abstract

Introduction:

Populations displaced by conflict face numerous threats to their psychological well-being; consequently, the prevalence of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder can be elevated as compared to populations who have not experienced forced displacement.

Problem:

Little is known about the mental health needs of displaced Iraqis. The factors associated with a need for psychological services among patients at seven clinics served by two NGOs that are known sources of care for the displaced Iraqi population in Amman, Jordan were explored.

Methods:

The survey was conducted in January and February 2008 and included a random sample of care seekers from seven clinics selected using interval sampling. Interviews on the health needs of displaced Iraqis and their access to services, including mental health services lasting approximately 20 minutes were conducted.

Results:

Of the 664 survey participants, 49% (95% CI = 45–53%) of respondents reported needing mental health services and 5% (95% CI = 3–8%) of those in need had access to services. The length of time spent in Jordan (adjusted OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.00–1.11) was associated with the need for mental health services and the adjusted odds of requiring psychological services was 39% less for individuals from outside of Baghdad as compared to Baghdad residents (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.38–0.98). Responders citing violence as a factor were twice as likely to be from Baghdad (OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.03–6.91), while interviewees reporting displacement as a cause for needing mental health services were twice as likely to be female (OR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.12–4.18). In individuals 35–44 years of age (OR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.14–0.87) the need for mental health services due to displacement decreased by 64%, while being a part of a female-headed household decreased the need by 81% (OR = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.06–0.57%).

Conclusions:

More attention should be given to expanding the local Jordanian health system capacity for the provision of mental service. Targeted social and psychiatric interventions that are culturally sensitive and aligned with Inter-Agency Standing Committee recommendations should be developed to compliment and expand the existing mental health service capacity in Jordan.

Keywords

care-seekingclinic based sampleinterval sampling methodIraqi refugeesJordanmental healthpsychosocial health
Type
Original Research
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 24 , Issue 4 , August 2009 , pp. 312 - 320
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2009

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