Highlighting the gender disparities in mental health among Syrian refugees in Jordan

Jordan has been a host country to many refugees from neighbouring countries for many years and has recently become a place of refuge for thousands of Syrians. The Syrian crisis has resulted in millions of Syrians fleeing their homes, uncertain of When they will return. Most of those seeking refuge have witnessed and/or experienced traumatic events that have affected their mental well-being in addition to starting over as refugees. Despite the large number of non-profit organizations providing free mental health services to refugees, not everyone has equal access to these services. This report, based on a literature review and a focus group discussion, highlights the different gender dimensions of mental health among Syrian refugees in Jordan. These risk factors include access to and use of mental health services, manifestation of mental health and psychosocial problems, treatment by mental-health workers and the socio-economic outcomes of living with someone suffering from mental health.

Key implications for practice

• To highlight the gender disparities in mental health among Syrian refugees residing in Jordan
• To highlight the gender differences in mental health needs and services among Syrian refugees in Jordan
• To provide insight about the level of mental health services provided for Syrian refugees in Jordan.