Birth characteristics of Syrian refugees and Turkish citizens in Turkey in 2015

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.