COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND THEIR RISK FACTORS AMONG SYRIAN REFUGEES IN TURKEY AND TURKISH POPULATION

Abstract

Turkey is the host to the highest number of refugees hosted by a country. This huge number of refugee population, fleeing from ongoing conflict in their country of origin to Turkey, brought together the concern for humanitarian emergency crisis requiring action on provision of basic and most urgent health needs which put burden on health systems. Noncommunicable diseases are an integral part of the health service provision and must be inserted into the service delivery package for refugees. This study aims to shed light on Noncommunicable diseases risk factor status of Syrian refuges registered in Turkey by extending the analysis to Turkish host community to see the differences and similarities between the two groups. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the change in risk factors by gender, age range, marital status, employment and the level of education. Binary logistic regression was also used to see the effect of demographic characteristics on the risk for Noncommunicable diseases. The study suggests that even though there are differences in the overall distribution of risk factors, both groups are under major risk of developing Noncommunicable diseases. Insufficient intake of fruit and vegetable appeared to be the most concerning risk factor for Syrians, whereas the level of physical inactivity among Turkish host community is alarming. Even though, the Government of Turkey has implemented very broad policies for universal health coverage considering health equality and equity, these policies must be strengthened in the light of cultural sensitivities and needs. Strengthened enforcement of tobacco control policies, stronger public awareness campaigns for physical activity and healthy eating behaviour, regular monitoring of blood pressure, and more clear definition on the role of primary, secondary and tertiary care in tackling Noncommunicable diseases can be listed as the recommended intervention areas based on the findings of this study. Key words: Noncommunicable diseases, risk factor, refugees, Syrians