Perceived discrimination among Syrian refugees in Germany and its associations with mental health

摘要

Discrimination is a crucial post migratory stressor but there is littleresearch on perceived discrimination by Syrian refugees. This studyaims to assess self-reported discrimination by Syrian refugees with aresidence permit in Germany, determine its forms, places, andpredictors, and explore its possible relation with mental health.Sociodemographics, migration-specific characteristics, traumatic lifeevents, quality of life, perceived discrimination, depression, generalisedanxiety disorder, post-traumatic symptoms, and somatic distress wereassessed among 116 participants. More than one-third of theparticipants perceived discrimination in low frequency, and in general,perceived discrimination was confined to treatment with less courtesyor respect. Unfair treatment was perceived mostly while searching foraccommodation and in the neighbourhood. Refugees attributed theirexperiences to their lack of language skills prior to national, religious,and racial causes. Lower age, higher number of completed years ofeducation, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder weresignificantly and substantially associated with perceived discrimination.Anxiety symptoms, number of traumatic experiences and gender mayalso be regarded as relevant predictors of perceived discrimination.Health care professionals must be aware of the links betweendiscrimination and symptoms of mental disorders. Policymakers shouldaddress discrimination as a key refugee issue and risk to mental health.