Screening for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms among a Sample of Working Syrian Refugees in Egypt

Background: Since the Arab spring, a large number of Syrian refugees arrived to Egypt. The majority of these refugees faced numerous traumatic events both in their country of origin and while moving from it. This raised the prevalence rates of depression and anxiety disorders among refugees than other populations. There are very few studies regarding the mental health of these vulnerable populations in Egypt. Objective: This study aims to screen for depressive and anxiety symptoms among a sample of working Syrian refugees in Cairo, Egypt and to estimate their socio-demographic and employment correlates. Method: A cross sectional study with convenient method of sampling was carried out. The sample was recruited from a primary healthcare center. Socio-demographic data were identified using designed questionnaires. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using Beck Depression inventory (BDI) and Taylor anxiety scales respectively. Results: Ninety-four Syrian worker refugees participated in the current study. Depressive symptoms were prevalent among 63 % of the studied sample and anxiety symptoms were found among 89 % of them. The refugee’s duration of being away from his/her country represents a statistical significant factor that was associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms. None of other socio-demographic & employment factors were found to be associated with the rates of depressive or anxiety symptoms among the study sample. Conclusion: Syrian refugees are at high risk of developing depressive and anxiety symptoms. Increased attention from primary and mental health care services to adequately support Syrian refugees’ mental health needs are urgently needed.