Secondary traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms among service providers working with Syrian refugees in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

Abstract This paper examines the mental health of service providers working with Syrian refugees. Using the Professional Quality of Life framework, we hypothesize greater stress/less support from the work, person, client environment is associated with symptoms of STS, depression, and anxiety. We surveyed a sample of 104 service providers throughout Istanbul late 2018. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between work (organizational support, caseload, supervision), person (perceived social support), client environment (trauma disclosure, percent Syrian refugees) on STS, depression, and anxiety. We found rates of moderate-to-severe STS to be 27.88%; depression 40.38%; and anxiety 29.81%. Our hypothesis was partially supported. Lower organizational support was associated with moderate-to-severe STS (aOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84, 0.99) while lower social support with anxiety (aOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81, 0.99). Caseload, supervision, trauma disclosure, percent refugees did not show significant associations. Organizations working with Syrian refugees may benefit from enhancing organizational support and promoting social support for staff.