Evaluation of Mental Health and Quality of Life among Afghan Refugees in Iran

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundForced migration is significant in Middle Eastern countries. Afghanistan has a high rate of forced immigration due to decades of war and insecurity. This figure has risen, especially in the recent Taliban offensive. It is important to pay attention to the mental health of refugees and to evaluate the risk factors affecting the improvement of their mental health and quality of life. This study aims to investigate the mental health and quality of life among Afghan refugees living in Iran.MethodsThe study sample consisted of 200 Afghan refugees living in Tehran, Iran. Demographic characteristics, mental status and quality of life were investigated. One-sample t-test, chi-square, paired t-test, analysis of variance, and Scheffe post hoc test and logistic regression were used to analyze the data.ResultsAnxiety and insomnia were the most prevalent mental health symptoms among Afghan refugees. Depressive symptoms were higher in unemployed ones and women. Most of the participants (56.5%) had moderate quality of life and social relationship had the lowest score in quality-of-life domain.ConclusionsThe frequency of mental health disorders and low quality of life has been considerably high among Afghan Refugees in Iran. The mental health and quality of life of refugees should be further considered, especially after domestic wars and insecurities.