Mental Health Crisis in Lebanon's Low-Income Areas

Mental Health issues, such as Depression and Anxiety, were significant problems even before the COVID-19 pandemic began. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the pandemic made these issues worse, increasing the rates of depression and anxiety by 25%. Many people faced stress during this time due to fewer social interactions, worries about getting sick, losing loved ones, and changes to their daily routines. Additionally, many people lost their jobs, especially those working in informal jobs, and families had to bear extra burdens, such as homeschooling children or caring for older relatives.

These challenges affected different groups of people in various ways, making mental health problems more common in those with lower incomes and women.

#Case Study: Lebanon

Lebanon is a country that has faced many challenges recently. Since 2019, it has been dealing with a deep political and economic crisis, leading to many people falling below the poverty line. The country also hosts a large number of Refugees, particularly from Syria, making up about a quarter of its population. Unlike many other places, refugees in Lebanon often live among local residents. Both the local population with low incomes and the refugees face many challenges that can harm their mental health, such as unemployment, lack of mobility, and limited access to healthcare. Refugees also deal with additional issues like losing family members due to conflict, facing discrimination, fear of being sent back, and traumatic experiences.

Globally, forced displacement is growing due to conflicts and climate-related issues. Most studies have looked at mental health issues in either local populations or refugees, but not both together. In Lebanon, research has mainly focused on specific groups of Syrian refugees rather than the broader context.

This study aims to look at mental health issues among both local Lebanese and Syrian refugees living in the same Low-income area of Beirut to better understand the common and unique challenges they face.

#Study Overview

This research is part of a larger study focusing on vulnerable groups in Sin-El-Fil, a suburb of Beirut. It examined the needs of people who were at increased risk of COVID-19 or its effects. Participants included adults from low-income backgrounds, seniors, Syrian refugees, and pregnant women. The study got approval from the American University of Beirut.

#Sampling and Participants

To gather participants, the researchers used a careful process to sample different areas in Sin-El-Fil, targeting both high and low-income neighborhoods. They visited each household to collect basic information to see if they met the study's criteria. After getting consent from these households, they gathered a list of eligible individuals. From there, they randomly selected older adults and other adults aged 18 to 60. They also included all Syrian adults and pregnant women. By the end, 2,045 individuals participated in the study.

Respondents completed surveys over the phone, and trained interviewers collected this information. The researchers ensured that older adults could participate by checking their ability to answer questions.

#Data Collection

The survey was designed to gather information about mental health and included both existing questions and new ones to suit the local context. It was created in collaboration with local authorities and organizations. After a test run, the survey was fine-tuned to ensure it collected the needed information accurately. The researchers paid close attention to the data collection process to ensure it was done carefully.

#Measuring Mental Health

The main focus of the study was on depressive and anxiety symptoms. To assess depression, they used a well-known scale called the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), while anxiety was measured using the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Each scale has a set of questions that help identify the symptoms. A higher score on these tests indicates a higher likelihood of experiencing depression or anxiety.

#Predictors of Mental Health Issues

The researchers looked for factors that could predict depressive and anxiety symptoms. For the Lebanese participants, they considered factors like gender, age, education level, marital status, number of chronic health issues, pain, food and water insecurity, employment status, debt, safety in their home, housing situation, and the support of friends during tough times.

For Syrian participants, additional factors such as receiving cash assistance and having legal residency were considered. They examined how these factors related to mental health outcomes.

#Statistical Analysis

The researchers analyzed the data to identify trends and possible predictors of depression and anxiety symptoms. They used specific methods to ensure that the analysis was accurate, considering the complex nature of the study design and the groups involved. They calculated the odds of experiencing each type of symptom based on the various predictors.

#Findings

Out of the 2,045 respondents, a significant number reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Among Lebanese participants, about 25% showed signs of depression and around 30% had anxiety symptoms. For Syrian participants, these figures were even higher, with about 43% experiencing depression and 47% showing anxiety symptoms.

The researchers found that several factors were common predictors of mental health issues for both groups. These included not attending school, experiencing pain that affected daily activities, having debt, feeling unsafe at home, and lacking a support system during difficult times.

#Importance of Findings

This study highlights the high rates of mental health issues among both Lebanese and Syrian adults living in low-income areas. The results suggest that both groups share similar challenges, mostly related to their socioeconomic background and mental well-being.

The findings of this research could help inform public health strategies and direct support services to those most in need. Recognizing the overlapping issues faced by both local and refugee populations can improve efforts to address mental health concerns effectively.

#Conclusion

In summary, mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are prevalent in low-income neighborhoods of Sin-El-Fil, Lebanon. The study identifies key factors that contribute to these issues, which are often linked to socioeconomic status, physical health, and social support. Understanding these factors can guide future interventions to support individuals struggling with mental health issues in Lebanon.