Assessing the Need for Mental Health Services in UNRWA Clinics in Lebanon for Palestinian Refugees From Syria

Abstract

Purpose: Since the Syrian Civil War broke out in 2011, Palestinian refugees from Syria (PRS) have been forced to relocate to United Nations Relief and Work Agency(UNWRA) refugee camps in neighboring countries. As there is no mental health diagnosis made, it is unknown as to the extent of untreated patients in this vulnerable population. The purpose of the project is to assess the needs for mental health services particularly to stress-related disorders. Methods: The Primary Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and the Clinician-administrated PTSD scale (CAPS) were used to assess depression/anxiety disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 224 PRS were screened. Of those, 40 completed a more in-depth interview. 42 UNRWA primary healthcare providers were surveyed to assess barriers to providing mental healthcare services. Results: The results show that 92% of PRS demonstrated mild to severe depression symptoms and 85% demonstrated mild to severe PTSD symptoms. UNRWA healthcare providers tend to underestimate the frequency of significant psychological distress among their patients and expressed willingness to receive more training on mental illness identification and treatment. There is currently no structured mental health service available for PRS nor any physical or mental service for victims of sexual assault provided in the UNRWA clinics. While healthcare providers believe women and children are most vulnerable to psychological distress, the prevalence of psychological distress among adult male and children remains unknown. Lastly, systematic factors, such as crowdedness in the camp and discrimination, are cited as most common exacerbating agents to psychological distress. Conclusions: This research project conclude that there is a dire need for mental health services in the PRS population, and UNRWA can start laying the groundwork for providing mental healthcare by establishing a task force and by forging partnerships with other NGOs and cross-sector agencies.