Socio-demographic Predictors of Perceived Health among Syrian Refugees in Jordan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between socio-demographic characteristics and
perceived health among Syrian refugees in Jordan.
Method: A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive design was adopted, where a sample of 151 Syrian
refugees living inside and outside camps in Amman,Jordan was surveyed for physical, psychological, social
and environmental perceived health using a 12-item questionnaire.
Results: Each domain’s score was computed out of 60. The mean perceived physical health was 27.6±11.5;
perceived psychological health 27.1±10.1; perceived social health 32.6±10.3; and perceived environmental
health 30±9.1. Predictors of perceived physical health included age group F(2) = 3.12, p = .012, marital
status F(3) = 4.71, p = .004, and income level F(2) = 1.75, p = .047. Predictors of perceived psychological
health included income level F(2) = 2.79, p = .005, place of living t = 3.32, p = .007, and marital status F(3)
= 4.09, p = .034. Predictors of perceived social health included gender t = 2.04, p = .026, age group F(2) =
3.64, p = .000, living place t = -3.61, p = .031, and household size r = .61, p = .048. And the only predictor
of perceived environmental health included was place of living t = 5.64, p = .000.
Conclusion: Living inside refugee camp, large household, poverty, older age, and being divorced or widow
are associated with lower perceived health. Modifying some factors may help improve perceived health
among Syrian refugees in Jordan and beyond.