@article{MRA, author = {Aseel Alzaghoul and Rama Eloulabi and Paniz Fotoohi and Khalid Yunis and Hala Tamim}, title = { Characteristics Associated with Fear of COVID-19 among Syrian Refugee Parents in Canada}, journal = {Medical Research Archives}, volume = {11}, number = {7.2}, year = {2023}, keywords = {}, abstract = {Introduction: The aim was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with fear of COVID-19 among Syrian refugee parents in Ontario, Canada. Methods: A sample of 540 Syrian refugee parents who resettled in Ontario were interviewed between March 2021, and March 2022. The level of fear was measured using the Fear of COVID-19 scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the relationships between socio-demographic, migration, and health-related factors and fear of COVID-19. Results: The mean (SD) score for the Fear of COVID-19 scale was 15.6 (6.02), and 15.4% of the participants were categorized as having high levels of Fear of COVID-19. Results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that low self-rated English/French language ability was significantly associated with increased fear of COVID-19  (Adjβ=0.65, p=0.047). When compared to participants who do not need an interpreter, those who needed an interpreter, and were always provided with one, were at reduced fear of COVID-19 (Adjβ=-1.56, p=0.061). In addition, findings indicated that low self-perceived socioeconomic status, more years spent in Canada, living in a refugee camp, and poor self-rated mental health contributed significantly to elevated levels of fear of COVID-19. Discussion: Targeted intervention and prevention strategies for reducing the fear of COVID-19 should be considered for the Syrian refugee population in Canada. Language ability is one of the factors related to increased fear of COVID-19, thus, providing information and interventions in different languages is essential for this population.}, issn = {2375-1924}, doi = {10.18103/mra.v11i7.2.4131}, url = {https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/4131} }