Investigation of COVID-19 Risk Perception and Psychological Well-being in Syrian Refugees

ABSTRACT This study aims to examine the effect of perceived COVID-19 risk of Syrian refugees on psychological well-being and reveal whether refugees’ scores from the emotional and cognitive sub-dimensions of COVID-19 risk and psychological well-being scale vary according to various socio-demographic characteristics. The Syrian refugees living in the Elbeyli Temporary Accommodation Center (TAC) in Kilis and within the province of Kilis in Turkey constitute the universe of the study. A total of 1576 individuals participated in the study where the convenience sampling method was used. Our study findings showed that the sub-dimensions (emotional and cognitive) of COVID-19 risk perception explain 21% of the total variance on psychological well-being. In addition, in the study it was determined that the participants’ scores from the cognitive and emotional sub-dimensions and the psychological well-being scale showed statistically significant differences with the variables of marital status, educational level, and monthly income level. It is recommended to provide more effective psychological and social support services in health institutions and to increase the awareness of refugees about these services.