Perceived discrimination and mental health among Syrian refugees in Norway: A cross sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Discrimination in the host country can be related to the mental health of refugees. This study assessed the association of discrimination with Syrian refugees’ mental health in Norway. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from the Integration for Health project (2022-23) in which 154 Syrian refugees who resettled in Norway in 2018-19 (n = 464) were interviewed after informed consent. Perceived discrimination was assessed by four questions adopted from the refugee post-migration stress scale (RPMS) in four domains: discrimination by authorities, nationality, race, and at work/school, and a composite variable with two alternative responses (never/rarely, sometimes/often) was created. Mental health was measured as psychological distress on HSCL-10 scale (scores>1.85), and post-traumatic stress symptoms on HTQ scale (scores>2.5). Chi-square and logistic regression assessed the relationship of perceived discrimination with mental health in separate models adjusted for age, sex, education, income, and marital status. To account for non-response, outcome-specific sampling weights were calculated and applied. RESULTS: The mean age was 39 years. Almost half (54%) were female. An estimated 12%, 15%, 14%, and 13% of participants, sometimes or often experienced discrimination by authorities, colleagues at work/school, nationality, or race respectively. The prevalence of psychological distress and PTSD symptoms was 28% and 5%, respectively. The perceived discrimination was significantly associated with higher psychological distress and PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Syrian refugees in Norway who have experienced discrimination are more likely to suffer from psychological distress and PTSD. Future policies and interventions should aim at promoting social inclusion and the implementation of anti-discrimination policies. KEY MESSAGES: • There is a strong association between perceived discrimination and poor mental health. • Future policies and interventions should aim at promoting social inclusion and implementation of anti-discrimination policies in employment, housing, and education.