The Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Sleep Quality, Eating Behaviour and Diet Quality in Syrian...

Background/Objectives: In recent years, the migrant population has been increasing. Migrants are at risk for malnutrition, mental disorders and related health problems. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationships among diet quality, eating behavior, posttraumatic stress disorders and sleep quality in Syrian migrants. Methods: This study included 78 female and 72 male Syrian adult migrants. The participants completed a questionnaire including demographic information, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Short Scale, and a three-factor eating questionnaire. For the diet quality calculation, a 24 h retrospective food consumption record was taken. Results: A total of 94.0% of the participants had mild to moderate risk of posttraumatic stress disorder. It was determined that 90.7% of Syrian migrants had low or moderate diet quality. There was a positive correlation between the PTSD score and age (r = 0.244) and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index score (r = 0.244) and between the Pittsburgh sleep quality index score and uncontrolled eating (r = 0.171) (p < 0.05). The probability of impaired sleep quality increased in individuals with PTSD scores in the T2 (11-19 points) (OR: 1.342; 95% CI: 1.073-1.678) and T3 (20-31 points) (OR: 1.485; 95% CI:1.157-1.905) groups, whereas the probability of improved diet quality increased in individuals in the T2 (11-19 points) (OR: 1.042; 95% CI: 1.000-1.086) group. Conclusions: Poor diet quality, risk of posttraumatic stress disorder and poor sleep quality are very common among Syrian migrants. In this respect, evaluating Syrian migrants and taking necessary precautions may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases related to nutrient deficiencies and mental problems. There is a need for policies and programs to manage PTSD among Syrian refugees.