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Needs assessment with elder Syrian refugees in Lebanon: Implications for services and interventions
Zeina Chemali1, Christina P C Borba2, Kelsey Johnson3
1a Massachusetts General Hospital , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA.
Global Public Health
|September 13, 2017
Summary
Elderly refugees in Lebanon face significant depression and cognitive issues, often feeling overlooked. Family connections are vital for their resilience, and humanitarian organizations must enhance psychological support in camps.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Gerontology
- Sociology
Background:
- Over 1 million Syrian and Palestinian refugees reside in Lebanon, with elderly individuals facing heightened vulnerabilities.
- Elderly refugees experience unique health and safety challenges, often overlooked during crises.
- Existing support structures may not adequately address the specific needs of this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the needs of elderly refugees in Lebanon.
- To assess their perceived support from Lebanese fieldworkers.
- To identify factors contributing to their well-being and resilience.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted with elderly refugees.
- Qualitative data was collected on their needs, concerns, and support systems.
- Perceptions of support from Lebanese fieldworkers were explored.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of depression and cognitive deficits observed among elderly refugees.
- Key concerns include illness, loneliness, war, and instability.
- Family connectedness identified as crucial for security, normalcy, and resilience.
- Elderly refugees often act as informal emotional support within their communities.
Conclusions:
- Elder well-being in refugee settings requires targeted interventions.
- Strengthening psychological support structures within refugee camps is essential.
- Humanitarian organizations should prioritize the specific needs of elderly refugees.
