Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Satisfaction with Life Among Syrian Refugees in Alexandria, Egypt

Background: As refugees are usually exposed to challenges from their home countries along with other challenges in their host countries, they are expected to have more psychological problems compared to the normal population. Objective(s): This study aims to assess depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and satisfaction with life (SWL) among Syrian refugees in Alexandria, Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 adult Syrian refugees (≥18 years) using the standardized Arabic versions of Beck Depression Inventory second edition (BDI-II), PTSD checklist civilian version (PCLC) and satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) in the non-profit NGO Soryana Community Center. Results: Among the studied Syrian refugees, the prevalence rates for depression and PTSD were 15.2% and 89.3% respectively, and 59.3% were dissatisfied with their lives. Logistic regression identified chronic diseases and history of psychological problems as predictors for depression, while history of psychological problems was the main predictor for PTSD. Linear regression found that income, hobbies, and family history of psychological problems predicted SWL. Conclusion: Syrian refugees are a vulnerable group towards psychological problems. Chronic diseases and history of psychological problems were the most important factors affecting depression among Syrian refugees. Syrian refugees need attention, efforts and mental health care to face their psychological problems.