FACTORS AFFECTING PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN REFUGEE MOTHERS IN LEBANON

Authors

Hesham Elshal, Professor of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, LebanonFollow
Mohammad Chour, Student, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, LebanonFollow
Sirine Abdel Halim, Student, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, LebanonFollow
Sadika Kharpoutli, Student, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, LebanonFollow
Hind Raad, Student, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, LebanonFollow
Sami Abou Alfa, Student, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, LebanonFollow
Rida Maaliki, Student, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, LebanonFollow
Zeina Makki, Student, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, LebanonFollow

Keywords

Antenatal Care, Birth Weight, Psychosocial Status, Refugees

Disciplines

Life Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics | Public Health | Women's Health

Abstract

In recent years, Lebanon has been a destination for less privileged refugees who seek better living conditions and shelter from regional wars, conflicts and instabilities. Recently, it is estimated that more than 20% of residents in Lebanon are Syrian refugees who live under questionable conditions regarding quality of life. Pregnant women, among their population, are considered more vulnerable to the effect of such living conditions. This study aimed at assessment of pregnancy outcome (birth weight, infant complications…) in a sample of women in refugees areas who have recently given birth and relate this outcome to multiple factors including socioeconomic status of the family, psychological status of the mother, maternal vitamin supplementation, and previous high-risk pregnancies. This study was conducted by a field-based survey, using questionnaire. Sample taken was by convenient sampling of just delivered women, focusing on major areas in Lebanon with the highest population of refugees. Results of our study detected increased risk of having neonatal complications in women with previous high-risk pregnancies. There was statistically significant difference between Syrian and Lebanese women regarding birth outcome. Syrian women were had a higher percentage of complications and lower birth weight than Lebanese women. There were significantly more neonatal complications in families with low income, women with improper antenatal care, and those with a compromised psychosocial state during pregnancy. There was also a high percentage of refugees who did not know about supplementation during pregnancy. Conclusion: Less privileged women in refugee areas during pregnancy and after delivery are not receiving appropriate antenatal care. Poor living circumstances, low socioeconomic status, and compromised psychosocial status of Syrian mothers increase the risk of having neonatal complications and low birth weight of their newborn infants. It is recommended to encourage awareness programs for the Syrian refugees in Lebanon regarding pregnancy and neonatal health. It is advised to provide more strict antenatal care to women who had previous complications in delivery.

Recommended Citation

Elshal, Hesham; Chour, Mohammad; Abdel Halim, Sirine; Kharpoutli, Sadika; Raad, Hind; Abou Alfa, Sami; Maaliki, Rida; and Makki, Zeina (2021) "FACTORS AFFECTING PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN REFUGEE MOTHERS IN LEBANON," BAU Journal - Health and Wellbeing: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54729/2789-8288.1128