Abstract:
Background: Depression is a common mental health issue affecting individuals worldwide, particularly among internally displaced persons (IDPs). Depression is the leading cause of
disability and death, particularly in young people. Depression among IDPs in camps in Debre
Birhan, Amhara, Ethiopia, is not well studied and little interventions are being done currently. Objective: To determine prevalence of depression and associated factors among internally
displaced persons (IDPs) living in Debre Birhan, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2024. Methods: A mixed method approach, using explanatory sequential design was used. The study
was conducted among 403 IDPs, from Jun 1-15, 2024. For the quantitative part, data were
collected from study population identified by simple random sampling. Quantitative data analysis
was done using STATA 17. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done to summarize data. Bivariable logistic regression was done and variables which had p-value < 0.25 were used as
candidate variables for multivariable analysis. AOR with a 95% CI was used to show the
relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Finally, variables with p-values
<0.05 were declared statistically significant. Qualitative data was labeled, coded and analyzed in
thematic frame using Open Code V4.03 and results were summarized thematically. Result: The prevalence of depression among IDPs living in camps in Debre Birhan, Amhara, Ethiopia in 2024 was found to be 37.7% (95% CI: 33.0, 42.6). Having no income (AOR 19.0;
95% CI: 11.69, 26.98), lack of access to basic amenities like food, cloth and shelter (AOR 2.76;
95% CI: 1.09, 7.00), witnessing traumatic events (AOR 5.89; 95% CI: 2.74, 12.45), stigma due to
displacement status (AOR 11.8; 95% CI: 6.53, 19.32), stigma due to mental health illness (AOR
9.31; 95% CI: 3.83, 27.32), alcohol consumption (AOR 6.21; 95% CI: 2.62, 19.85), and chewing
khat (AOR 3.19; 95% CI: 1.16, 8.84) were significantly associated factors. Conclusion: The observed prevalence of depression in this study is substantially higher than the
estimated national prevalence, and the prevalence of depression among IDPs is different across
studies. Lack of income, lack of access to basic needs, witnessing traumatic events, stigma due to
displacement and mental health illness, frequent alcohol and khat consumption were factors
associated with depression. A comprehensive response approach which involves the IDPs, government authorities, and humanitarian organizations is recommended to alleviate the burdens
of depression in IDP camps at Debre Birhan, Amhara,Ethiopia
