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Exploring the Mental, Social, and Lifestyle Effects of a Positive COVID-19 Infection on Syrian Refugees in Jordan: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Khalid A. Kheirallah

    (Department of Public Health, Medical School of Jordan, University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Bayan F. Ababneh

    (Department of Public Health, Medical School of Jordan, University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan)

  • Heba Bendak

    (Clinical Psychology Department, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia)

  • Ahmed R. Alsuwaidi

    (Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine & Health Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates)

  • Iffat Elbarazi

    (Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

Migrants and refugees are among the vulnerable populations that suffered disproportionately from the COVID-19 crisis. However, their experiences with COVID-19 positivity status have not been investigated. This study explored the physical, mental, and psychosocial impacts of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis on Syrian refugees living in Jordan. Using a qualitative approach, twenty phone interviews were conducted with ten adult Syrian refugees living within the camp and ten refugees living in non-camp (host community) settings in Jordan. Follow-up interviews with five health care providers at a refugee camp were conducted to explore the services and support provided to the refugees with COVID-19 infection. The findings were thematically analyzed and grouped into major themes, subthemes, and emerging themes. Refugees living within camp settings had better access to testing, healthcare, and disease management and did not experience fear of being deported. Refugees in both settings suffered mental and psychosocial health impacts, social isolation, fear of death, and disease complications. COVID-19 infection has negatively impacted refugees’ well-being with noticeable disparities across the different living conditions. Refugees living within host community settings may need more support for managing their condition, accessibility to free testing, as well as treatment and healthcare services.

Suggested Citation

  • Khalid A. Kheirallah & Bayan F. Ababneh & Heba Bendak & Ahmed R. Alsuwaidi & Iffat Elbarazi, 2022. "Exploring the Mental, Social, and Lifestyle Effects of a Positive COVID-19 Infection on Syrian Refugees in Jordan: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12588-:d:931845
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nidhi Subbaraman, 2020. "‘Distancing is impossible’: refugee camps race to avert coronavirus catastrophe," Nature, Nature, vol. 581(7806), pages 18-18, May.
    2. Julio Torales & Marcelo O’Higgins & João Mauricio Castaldelli-Maia & Antonio Ventriglio, 2020. "The outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus and its impact on global mental health," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 66(4), pages 317-320, June.
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