Differences in Obstetric Outcomes and Antenatal Follow-up Between Syrian Refugees and Resident Women: A Retrospective Comparative Study in a Maternity Hospital Aydın, Turkey

Abstract

Objective: This study compared Syrian refugees’ antenatal follow-up characteristics and pregnancy outcomes with Turkish residents. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of the births in a Gynecology and Pediatrics Hospital in Aydın-Turkey, between 01.10.2009 and 01.06.2019. The data were obtained from the birth data archives and the medical and laboratory records of the hospital. The demographic characteristics and obstetric-neonatal outcomes were compared between 634 Syrian refugees and 21,092 Turkish residents. The laboratory results and antenatal screening data were compared between 634 Syrian refugees and randomly selected 715 Turkish residents. Results: Maternal age was significantly lower, adolescent pregnancy rate (age <19), and the parity was significantly higher in the refugee group (p<0.001). Although the cesarean-section (C/S) delivery rate was higher in Turkish residents, the primary C/S delivery rate was similar. C/S delivery due to previous repetitive C/S delivery was significantly higher in the refugee group (p=0.041). Preterm-birth rate (<37 gestational weeks), low-newborn birth weight (<2,500 g), and stillbirth rate was not significantly different between the groups. Mean hemoglobin levels and the rate of maternal anemia was not significantly different between the groups. The attendance to antenatal screening tests (first-trimester combined test, triple test, glucose tolerance tests) was significantly lower in the refugee group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Compared to Turkish residents, Syrian refugee women had some significant differences in terms of demographic specifications, the application of antenatal screening tests, and laboratory test results. However, the obstetric and neonatal outcomes were not statistically different.