Barriers to the use of mental health services by Syrian refugees in Jordan: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: More than 650 000 Syrian refugees are hosted in Jordan. Refugees are at high risk of mental health problems. Aims: To explore the perspectives of Syrian refugees and their host communities and community leaders in Jordan on barriers and facilitators to the use of mental health services by Syrian refugees. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used to collect data through individual, semistructured interviews conducted between May and December 2019 in Jordan. A purposive sample was recruited from different sites. Results: Twenty-four individual interviews were conducted: 16 for the clients and 8 for the community leaders. Three themes emerged as barriers to accessing mental health services: (1) lack of awareness of mental illness and available services; (2) availability, accessibility and affordability of mental health services; and (3) stigma and social discrimination. Findings show that respondents had low mental health literacy levels. Conclusion: Policy-makers, care providers and decision-makers should take the findings of this study into consideration by facilitating the use of mental health services through awareness-raising about mental illness and the provision of services at primary health care centres. Making the service available near to the people who require it and incorporating mental health services into a broad-based community environment such as schools, primary health centres, or case management system are recommended as a common strategy that could help address refugee needs.