Psychological Well-Being Among Refugee Pregnant Adolescents: A Controlled Study From Turkey

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. A total of 100 pregnant adolescents participated in the study (50 citizens of The Republic of Turkey and 50 refugees). Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) tests were administered to the study sample. The socio-demographic and obstetric variables were obtained from hospital records and an interview during hospital appointment. Education level (p=0.012), and the frequency of living without a husband (p=0.008) in daily life were significantly lower in refugees. BDI total score was significantly higher in refugees (p=0.032). Regarding the Rosenberg subcategories; self-esteem (p=0.019), faith in people (p=0.029), and daydreaming (p=0.039) 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=0.001 and p=0.023), low income (p=0.024 and p=0.001) and Rosenberg subscores of interpersonal threat (p=0.025 and p=0.028), respectively. In addition, Rosenberg subscores of interparental interest (p=0.031), smoking (p=0.002), and STAI Trait score (p=0.011) were associated with 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=0.032). Pregnant adolescent refugees have a higher risk of depression and low self-esteem than Turkish adolescents. Living without a supportive social, economic and familial environment results to low self-esteem and depression in refugee pregnant adolescents.