The Association between Intimate Partner Violence and Female Syrian Refugees’ Mental Health

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the world’s most critical public health issues. Aims: The main aim of the study was (1) to examine the association between IPV and female Syrian refugees’ mental health. We also wanted: (2) to assess the prevalence of IPV and its subtypes – controlling, emotional, physical, and sexual violence – among female Syrian refugees, (3) to evaluate the association between childhood maltreatment and IPV, and (4) examine IPV and risky behaviors. Settings and Design: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. A clinician interviewed (n = 289) female Syrian refugees seeking therapy in Egypt. Materials and Methods: Female Syrian refugees completed the following assessments: WHO Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS)-16. Results: Female Syrian refugees who had experienced IPV scored significantly higher on the BDI-II (U = 1799, P < 0.00), BAI (U = 2511.5, P < 0.00), and DERS (U = 1636, P < 0.00). In addition, 90.3% of them experienced psychological control, 91.3% emotional abuse, 39.4% physical violence, and 27% sexual violence by an intimate partner. Those who had experienced physical IPV were more likely to use substances (χ2 = 5.8, P < 0.05), engage in binge eating (χ2 = 17.5, P < 0.001), and have suicidal thoughts or behaviors (χ2 = 5.1, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Female Syrian refugees with a history of IPV exhibited significantly worse mental health. There is an imperative need for mental health treatment and prevention strategies for female Syrian refugees.

Keywords

• intimate partner violence
• mental health
• refugees