Hidden scars: the persistent multifaceted health and psychosocial consequences for Syrian torture survivors.

ABSTRACT

Background: The impact on the physical and mental health of those who survived torture and their close circles in the Syrian regime's detention facilities remains under-studied.Objective: This qualitative study explored Syrian refugees' narrations of captivity and torture, and the consequences of such extreme traumatic events on their physical and psychosocial health.Method: Thirteen audio-recorded interviews were conducted in Arabic with Syrian refugees. Study participants were at least 19 years of age, resided in diverse urban areas of Jordan, had experienced captivity and torture in Syrian detention facilities, and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. Participation was anonymous, only oral consent was required, and no incentives were provided to participants. Interviews were transcribed and translated into English by a team of researchers, followed by analysis of repetitive themes according to the narrative paradigm.Results: Analysis of interviews elicited three major themes extreme traumatic experiences of torture, and its physical and psychosocial health consequences. The first major theme was divided into two sub-themes torture experienced by the participants themselves, and torture experienced by participants' close circles. The second major theme, pertaining to physical health, was divided into two sub-themes acute and chronic health sequelae. The third major theme, related to psychosocial health, was divided into four sub-themes mental health symptomatology, impacts on professional life, impacts on interpersonal relationships, and social consequences.Conclusions: Torture experiences of Syrian refugees had adverse consequences for the physical and psychosocial health, functioning, and the overall well-being of survivors and their close circles. Interventions may seek to improve both the acute and chronic health consequences, as well as the mental health symptoms and associated impacts on livelihood, professional, and relationship dynamics. They should span clinical, legal, and advocacy spheres, given that a holistic approach may contribute immensely to survivors' healing process.

The torture endured and witnessed by survivors and their close circles in the Syrian regime's detention facilities was severely traumatizing and had persistent, life-altering implications.Survivors suffered from both acute and chronic physical health consequences as a result of abuse inflicted during torture and detention facility conditions. The psychosocial health ramifications included mental health symptoms, impact on interpersonal relationships, professional challenges, and social difficulties, posing multifaceted barriers to healing.Survivors and their close circles would benefit from a holistic approach to trauma-informed interventions that may require a multidisciplinary network of services with specialized providers for extended periods.