Depressive symptoms and correlations among war-survivor internally displaced persons in two IDP camps in northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND

Depression is a leading mental health concern among internally displaced persons (IDPs). It is exacerbated by war-related trauma, displacement, and inadequate support systems. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlations of depressive symptoms among war-survivor IDPs in northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2024 in two IDP camps located in Gondar and Dabat. A sample of 718 participants, aged 18 years or older, was selected using a proportional random sampling method. Data were collected through structured interviews using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depressive symptoms, the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire-16 (HTQ-16) for traumatic experiences, the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) for substance use, and the Oslo-3 scale for social support. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 709 participants were interviewed (response rate: 98.75%), with a of depressive symptoms prevalence (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) of 62.20% (95% CI: 58.56-65.71%). The gender specific distribution of depressive symptoms was 67.38% among females and 52.26% among males. Female gender (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.28-2.62), witnessing murder (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 1.98-8.59), traumatic life experiences (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI: 2.53-5.14), and a family history of mental illness (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.39-5.13) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The high prevalence of depressive symptoms among IDPs in northwest Ethiopia underscores the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions. Policymakers should prioritize integrating mental health care into primary health services and developing trauma-informed, culturally tailored, and gender-sensitive mental health programs for displaced populations.