The Association between Intimate Partner Violence and Female Syrian Refugees’ Mental Health

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the world’s most critical public health issues. The main aim of the study was (1) to examine the association between IPV and female Syrian refugees’ mental health. We also wanted: (2) to assess the prevalence of IPV and its subtypes – controlling, emotional, physical, and sexual violence – among female Syrian refugees, (3) to evaluate the association between childhood maltreatment and IPV, and (4) examine IPV and risky behaviors. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. A clinician interviewed (n = 289) female Syrian refugees seeking therapy in Egypt. Female Syrian refugees completed the following assessments: WHO Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS)-16. Female Syrian refugees who had experienced IPV scored significantly higher on the BDI-II (U = 1799, P < 0.00), BAI (U = 2511.5, P < 0.00), and DERS (U = 1636, P < 0.00). In addition, 90.3% of them experienced psychological control, 91.3% emotional abuse, 39.4% physical violence, and 27% sexual violence by an intimate partner. Those who had experienced physical IPV were more likely to use substances (χ 2 = 5.8, P < 0.05), engage in binge eating (χ 2 = 17.5, P < 0.001), and have suicidal thoughts or behaviors (χ 2 = 5.1, P < 0.05). Female Syrian refugees with a history of IPV exhibited significantly worse mental health. There is an imperative need for mental health treatment and prevention strategies for female Syrian refugees.