Depression And Its Associated Factors Among Internally Displaced Adults In Camps At Debre Birhan, Amhara, Ethiopia

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