Implications for Health Practitioners/Health Questions

Greeting: Handshakes are preferable when greeting a male patient. Shaking a female patient’s hand may not be appropriate unless the patient reaches her hand out first. Many Syrian males greet females by placing their hands on their own chest [3]. Eye contact is often expected during interactions to demonstrate respect and attentiveness [4].

It is important to note that Syrians generally rely on indirect communication via nonverbal behaviors to draw meaning. They may also understate their point given their inclination to avoid offense and embarrassment [4].Therefore, it may be helpful to use open-ended questions and ask for clarifications when needed.  

Mental Health: Conversations over mental health may often be stigmatized, leading to the neglect of mental health symptoms and the reluctance to reach out. Moreover, some may view mental health as a burden on their family. Interpretational services that address the nuances of culture and ethnicity can be useful in raising awareness of the mental health resources available [5]. It is also important to consider the impact of mental health on the overall health of these patients due to the Syrian civil war and the discrimination against Syrian Americans and refugees in the U.S.

A study done on Syrian refugees in the United States revealed a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and possible PTSD [6].  

Diet: Diet often includes grains, meats, cheese, fruits, and vegetables [7]. It is important to note that religion plays a role in their dietary restriction, as Muslim Syrians may not consume pork.