Abstract / Description of output
Introduction and Aims
The protracted Syrian conflict has so far displaced millions of Syrians. With the UK government implementing refugee resettlement schemes, an increasing number of Syrian refugees have been resettled in Edinburgh. Although the challenges of resettlement, which undermine their mental health, have been documented, limited research has focused on their mental health needs, which should be identified and addressed. This study aimed to explore the mental health needs of adult Syrian refugees resettled in Edinburgh.
Methods
Seventeen participants (5 women and 12 men) completed an online mixed-design survey with a qualitative focus. A reflexive thematic analysis, guided by a critical realist perspective, was used to analyse the data and identify patterns of mental health needs. The orientation to data was predominantly inductive, with some deductive elements. Both semantic and latent meanings were explored to develop themes. The analytic process involved familiarisation with the data, coding and refining them, developing initial themes, naming themes and sub-themes, and making minor adjustments before finalising the analysis.
Results
Three themes with eight sub-themes were developed through reflexive thematic analysis: (1) Basic integration needs, including Employment and Learning the English language; (2) Social support, encompassing Family support, Friend support, and Community support; and (3) Mental health support services, covering Psychoeducation on mental health problems, Recreational activities, and Personalised support services.
Discussion
These themes reveal a hierarchy of mental health needs, reflecting their gradual integration into Edinburgh society. Basic integration needs highlight their living predicaments in Edinburgh. Social support needs indicate varying levels of social isolation and loneliness. Discord within communities further impedes their integration into society and undermines their mental health. Their need for mental health support services underscores a culturally sensitive perspective, premised on acknowledging and respecting each refugee’s unique experiences. These findings illustrate the challenges Syrian refugees face in resettlement, reveal gaps in current integration policies and services, and suggest directions for future improvements.
The protracted Syrian conflict has so far displaced millions of Syrians. With the UK government implementing refugee resettlement schemes, an increasing number of Syrian refugees have been resettled in Edinburgh. Although the challenges of resettlement, which undermine their mental health, have been documented, limited research has focused on their mental health needs, which should be identified and addressed. This study aimed to explore the mental health needs of adult Syrian refugees resettled in Edinburgh.
Methods
Seventeen participants (5 women and 12 men) completed an online mixed-design survey with a qualitative focus. A reflexive thematic analysis, guided by a critical realist perspective, was used to analyse the data and identify patterns of mental health needs. The orientation to data was predominantly inductive, with some deductive elements. Both semantic and latent meanings were explored to develop themes. The analytic process involved familiarisation with the data, coding and refining them, developing initial themes, naming themes and sub-themes, and making minor adjustments before finalising the analysis.
Results
Three themes with eight sub-themes were developed through reflexive thematic analysis: (1) Basic integration needs, including Employment and Learning the English language; (2) Social support, encompassing Family support, Friend support, and Community support; and (3) Mental health support services, covering Psychoeducation on mental health problems, Recreational activities, and Personalised support services.
Discussion
These themes reveal a hierarchy of mental health needs, reflecting their gradual integration into Edinburgh society. Basic integration needs highlight their living predicaments in Edinburgh. Social support needs indicate varying levels of social isolation and loneliness. Discord within communities further impedes their integration into society and undermines their mental health. Their need for mental health support services underscores a culturally sensitive perspective, premised on acknowledging and respecting each refugee’s unique experiences. These findings illustrate the challenges Syrian refugees face in resettlement, reveal gaps in current integration policies and services, and suggest directions for future improvements.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 7 Nov 2024 |
| Event | NRS Mental Health Network Annual Scientific Meeting - Edinburgh Duration: 7 Nov 2024 → … |
Conference
| Conference | NRS Mental Health Network Annual Scientific Meeting |
|---|---|
| City | Edinburgh |
| Period | 7/11/24 → … |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- mental health
- refugees
- resettled
- Syrians