2017•International Journal of Gynecology & ObstetricsRequires access
Birth characteristics of Syrian refugees and Turkish citizens in Turkey in 2015
Hakan Demirci, Nevruz Yıldırım Topak, Gökhan Ocakoğlu, Mehtap Karakulak Gömleksiz, Emin Üstünyurt, Ayse Ulku Turker
Open publisher page 52 citations
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the birth characteristics of Syrian refugees with those of Turkish citizens. METHODS: In a retrospective study, data were obtained for singleton live births that occurred at a hospital in Bursa, Turkey, between June 1 and December 31, 2015. All Syrian refugees were eligible for inclusion; one Turkish citizen was included for each refugee. RESULTS: Overall, 545 Syrian refugees and 545 Turkish citizens were included. Cesarean delivery was undertaken for 176 (32.3%) Syrians and 235 (43.1%) Turks (P<0.001). Median neonatal birth weight was higher among Turkish citizens (3300 g, range 970-4720) than among Syrian refugees (3110 g, range 540-4790; P<0.001). Gestational diabetes was recorded for 42 (7.7%) Turkish citizens and 9 (1.7%) Syrian refugees (P<0.001). Pre-eclampsia affected 21 (3.9%) Turkish citizens and 8 (1.5%) Syrians (P=0.014). CONCLUSION: Cesarean delivery is more common among pregnant Turkish citizens than among Syrian refugees. Other notable differences between the groups were recorded.