Erişkin Suriyeli Göçmenlerde Belirsizlik Ölçeği Geliştirilmesi ve Belirsizlik ile Sağlık Düzeyleri İlişkisinin Değerlendirilmesii

Abstract

Uncertainty, characterized by unpredictability, unforeseeableness, lack of clarity, or absence of confidence about future events, outcomes, or information, expresses a subjective cognitive and/or emotional state. Uncertainty transforms into a complex structure intertwined with numerous external factors within the context of migration. Uncertainty has multifaceted effects on human health and well-being. We aimed to develop a valid and reliable measurement tool to assess the level of uncertainty of adult migrants and to define the relationship between the measured level of uncertainty and general health perception. This methodological study targets the Syrian population in the districts of Altındağ, Mamak, and Yenimahalle in Ankara. The sample includes 666 literate male and female Syrian migrants aged between 18-64 from these districts. The item pool was created through phenomenological research, evaluated with expert workshops and the Davis content validity method, and 39 items were selected for validity-reliability analysis. We conducted item analyses (item discrimination value and factor load); validity analysis (content, and constract validity); reliability analysis (split-half, and internal consistency) and descriptive analyses (descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Kruskal Wallis, and Mann Whitney U tests). The Adult Migrants' Uncertainty Scale (AMUS) consists of 24 items with item discrimination values over 0.20 and factor loads over 0.30. We found Cronbach's alpha=0.80, Spearman-Brown Coefficient=0.73, and RMSEA=0.06. The total minimum score from the scale is 24 and the maximum is 120, with higher scores indicating increased uncertainty. The average uncertainty level of Syrian migrants is 57.1±10.9. Those is living in rented houses, without a profession, with chronic diseases, with multimorbidities, woman and have witnessed armed conflict, scored higher in uncertainty. A statistically significant negative relationship was found between the uncertainty score and both economic status and general health perception. AMUS is presented as a valid and reliable tool for measuring uncertainty among migrants. Applying the scale to different groups will allow a deeper understanding of uncertainty and facilitate the inclusion of uncertainty elements in public health intervention strategies.