Perceived Social Support Among Older Adults Residing in the Rohingya Refugee Camp in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Older refugees often experience limited support due to restricted mobility, scarce resources and limited attention to their needs. This study examined perceived social support and its determinants among older adults living in the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Rohingya older adults aged ≥ 60 years in five subcamps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, between November and December 2021. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire including the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, alongside sociodemographic, health and lifestyle variables. Multiple logistic regression identified factors associated with perceived social support. Results: Among 864 participants, more than half (53.7%) reported insufficient perceived social support. Factors independently associated with insufficient support included lack of engagement in income-generating activities (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.02 and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.79–5.10), living alone (aOR: 3.17 and 95% CI: 1.84–5.47), and having noncommunicable diseases (aOR: 1.78 and 95% CI: 1.35–2.36). Implications: Findings highlight the need for targeted, integrated social support initiatives addressing socioeconomic and health challenges among Rohingya older adults, embedded within existing humanitarian services to promote their well-being and inclusion.