Öztürk G, Timarcioğlu K, Dikeç G, Karali E, Nacaroğlu H, Çakir H, Harmanci Seren AK. Syrian refugees' experiences while receiving mental health services and psychiatric nursing care: A qualitative study.
J Adv Nurs 2024;
80:1511-1522. [PMID:
37849232 DOI:
10.1111/jan.15894]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM
This study examined the experiences of Syrian refugees in a community centre in Turkiye as they access mental health services and receive psychiatric nursing care.
DESIGN
A qualitative design was adopted in the study.
METHODS
Data were collected from southern Turkiye between November and December 2021. The researchers conducted three semi-structured focus group interviews. Colaizzi's phenomenological method was followed to analyse the qualitative data. A total of 19 Syrian refugees participated in the focus group interviews.
RESULTS
Three key themes related to immigrants' experiences of receiving mental health services and nursing care were identified: barriers to receiving mental health services, coping with negative experiences in Turkiye and satisfaction with mental health services. The participants identified the barriers they experienced while receiving health services as those pertaining to language, discrimination and stigmatization. They also mentioned the methods of coping with these negative experiences in Turkiye. Despite their negative experiences, they expressed satisfaction with the mental health services they received, especially psychiatric nursing care.
CONCLUSIONS
This study determined that Syrian refugees face barriers in accessing and receiving mental health services. They stated that mental health professionals in Turkiye approach them with empathy, particularly those in psychiatric nursing. Healthcare professionals may be trained in culturally sensitive care to increase awareness.
IMPACT
Studies have frequently examined the experiences of nurses providing care to refugees, but few have focused on evaluating nursing care from the perspective of refugees. Syrian refugees have reported various obstacles in accessing and receiving mental healthcare services. Health professionals, especially psychiatric nurses in mental health psychosocial support centres, must facilitate the processes to eliminate these obstacles.
REPORTING METHOD
The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were used.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
No patient or public involvement.
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