Depression, anxiety, and medication adherence among Sudanese refugees with chronic illnesses in Aftit refugee camp, northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Anxiety and depression are common among refugees and can affect medication adherence. However, no prior study has evaluated the mental health status and medication adherence of Sudanese refugees with chronic illness in Aftit refugee camp, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and medication adherence among Sudanese refugees in Aftit refugee camp, Ethiopia.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1-30, 2024, 231 Sudanese refugees with chronic illnesses were randomly selected. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The response rate was 96.25%. The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms, assessed using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist, was 48.1% and 48.5%, respectively, while 42% of participants demonstrated good medication adherence based on a 6-item adherence tool. Depression was significantly associated with living alone (AOR = 6.50), longer camp stay (≥1 year) (AOR = 3.34), food/water shortages (AOR = 3.17), Khat use (AOR = 2.46), and inadequate shelter/clothing (AOR = 4.63). Anxiety was significantly associated with age > 60 (AOR = 2.98), being divorced (AOR = 5.67) or widowed (AOR = 8.36), Khat use (AOR = 2.55), loss of family/friends due to violence (AOR = 9.68), torture (AOR = 3.37), and imprisonment (AOR = 2.42). Medication adherence was significantly associated with aged > 60 (AOR = 4.78), those with higher education (AOR = 4.88), and those living alone (AOR = 3.33).

CONCLUSION

The study underscores the importance of integrating mental health screening into refugee care and addressing structural challenges like housing, and substance use to improve both mental health and medication adherence. These findings can inform health policies and refugee programs by identifying high-risk groups and guiding targeted interventions.