Psychological Well-being among Refugee Pregnant Adolescents: A Controlled Study from Turkey

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare psychiatric profiles and self-concept between Turkish and refugee pregnant adolescents, and to investigate the associated factors of psychiatric problems and low self-concept among pregnant refugee adolescents
METHODS: A total of 100 pregnant adolescents participated in the study. Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) tests were administered to the study sample.
RESULTS: Education level (p<0.05), and the frequency of living without a husband (p<0.05) in daily life were lower in refugees. BDI total score was significantly higher in refugees (p<0.05). Regarding the Rosenberg subcategories; self-esteem (p<0.05), faith in people (p<0.05), and daydreaming (p<0.05) scores were significantly lower in refugees. Among Turkish and refugee pregnant adolescents, high BDI score was found to be associated with living without a husband (p<0.05), low income (p<0.05) and Rosenberg subscores of interpersonal threat (p<0.05). Rosenberg subscores of interparental interest (p<0.05), smoking and STAI Trait score were associated with high BDI score among refugees. A binary logistic regression analysis showed that living without a husband (p<0.05), STAI state score (p<0.05), Rosenberg subscores of interpersonal threat (p<0.05), and parental interest (p<0.05) were found as predictors of a high BDI score among refugees. The pregnant refugees who were living without their husbands had lower self-esteem than the pregnants who were living with their husbands (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Pregnant adolescent refugees have a higher risk of depression and low self-esteem. Living without a supportive social, economic and familial environment results to low self-esteem and depression in refugee pregnant adolescents