Relationship between Internalized Stigmatization and Treatment Adherence among Syrian Refugees with Mental Disorders

Objective: Syrian refugees in Türkiye face significant mental health challenges, including high rates of disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, compounded by internalized stigma and barriers to treatment adherence. Understanding the relationship between internalized stigma and treatment adherence is critical for developing effective mental health interventions for this population. This study aimed to assess the levels of internalized stigma and treatment adherence among Syrian refugees in Türkiye using psychotropic medication and to investigate the relationship between these variables. Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted in Istanbul from January to May 2024, involving 110 Syrian refugees diagnosed with mental disorders and prescribed psychotropic medication. Data were collected using random sampling through the Information Form, the Arabic version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI), and the Medication Adherence Reporting Scale (MARS). Results: No significant correlation was found between internalized stigma (ISMI) and treatment adherence (MARS) (r = -0.16, p = 0.96). However, gender and having children were significant predictors of internalized stigma (R² = 0.21, p < 0.001), with females and participants with children reporting higher stigma levels. Treatment adherence was moderate, with no significant associations with sociodemographic or mental health-related characteristics. Conclusion: While internalized stigma did not significantly correlate with treatment adherence, gender and parental status were key determinants of stigma. Mental health professionals should focus on identifying factors affecting treatment adherence and implement targeted interventions to reduce internalized stigma, particularly for female refugees and those with children, to improve mental health outcomes.