Discrimination-Based Continuous Traumatic Stress, PTSD and Chronic Pain in Syrian Refugees: A Moderated Mediation...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Public Health
• Trauma Studies
• Refugee Health

Background:

• Syrian refugees face significant exposure to continuous traumatic stressors (CTS).
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and somatic symptoms are prevalent among displaced populations.
• Chronic pain is a common and debilitating physical complaint in refugee communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mediating role of PTSD in the relationship between discrimination-based CTS and chronic pain.
• To examine the moderating effect of somatic symptoms on the association between PTSD and chronic pain.
• To understand the complex interplay of trauma, psychological distress, and physical health in Syrian refugees.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 669 Syrian refugees in Türkiye.
• Data collection via face-to-face interviews using validated self-report measures.
• Instruments included the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and Cumulative Trauma Scale.

Main Results:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms significantly mediated the link between discrimination-based CTS and chronic pain.
• Somatic symptoms acted as a significant moderator, intensifying the association between PTSD and chronic pain severity.
• Individuals with higher somatic symptom burden experienced a stronger impact of PTSD on their chronic pain.

Conclusions:

• Discrimination-based CTS, PTSD, and somatic symptoms are interconnected, contributing to chronic pain in Syrian refugees.
• Findings underscore the need for trauma-informed and culturally sensitive interventions for displaced populations.
• The study highlights the significant psychological and physical health burden of prolonged trauma in refugees.