Prevalence of Anxiety and Drug Abuse Disorders Among Young Internally Displaced Persons in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Background Internally displaced person are one of the highest risk groups for mental disorder. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating prevalence of Anxiety and Drug Abuse Disorders among Young Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Northern Nigeria. Case Presentation: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in the New Kuchingoro IDP camp and the Durumi IDP camp, Abuja among young persons aged 13–24 years. GAD-7 and DAST-10 questionnaires were translated into Hausa language and used to collect data on generalized anxiety disorder and drug abuse respectively via Kobo Toolbox. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) score of 5, 10, and 15 were considered as the cut-off points for mild, moderate and severe anxiety, respectively. Drug Abuse Screening Tool (DAST-10) score of 0 was considered no problems reported, 1–2 low level, 3–5 moderate level, 6–8 is substantial level and 9–10 is severe level. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 was used for data analysis. Results Six hundred and thirty-seven (637) respondents participated in this study with almost half (46.5%) in the 20-24years age group. Some (35.0%) had mild anxiety, 47.9% had moderate drug abuse disorder. However, Chi-square analysis revealed that there was a significant association between age, occupation, family income and anxiety with p-values of 0.027, 0.024, 0.020 and 0.033 respectively. Conclusion The study findings revealed that IDPs had a form of anxiety and drug abuse disorder. More mental health intervention should be conducted in IDP camps to help in the reduction of anxiety and drug abuse disorders.