The prevalence of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among internally displaced persons in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the prevalence of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri. Design/methodology/approach The study was a cross-sectional study that took place among the six IDP camps located in Maiduguri metropolis in Borno State. A non-randomized technique was used to sample 1,200 respondents. Face-to-face interviews with selected members of households were carried out confidentially. The study used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Impact of Event Scale-6 which were translated to Kanuri. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed using SPSS version 21. Findings The response rate was 100 percent. In total, 96.1 percent (1,153) of the respondents were depressed, while 78 percent (936) of the respondents were symptomatic for PTSD. The prevalence rate of comorbid PTSD with depression was 68.1 percent (817). About one-third of the respondents had moderately severe depression (29.6 percent, n=355) while about one in ten of them were severely depressed (11.3 percent, n=136). The odds of being depressed was 3.308 higher in people aged 51–60 years compared to people between 18 and 20 years. Significant predictors of depression in the sampled population were screening positive for PTSD and being unemployed. Practical implications The high prevalence of depression and PTSD among the sampled population calls for structured interventions to deal with mental health problems. The study findings suggest the need for more research (preferably qualitative) on the mental health issues in this population. Originality/value This study contributes to the sparse available literature on the mental health of IDPs in Nigeria.

Sociodemographic correlates and associated factors of depression and anxiety among internally displaced adults in Ogoja, Nigeria

“…Another study12 found a slightly lower prevalence of probable depression (59.7%) among persons displaced by postelection crises in Kaduna, Nigeria. Findings regarding depression from this study were found to be consistent with another study13 which found an equally high prevalence (96.1%) of depression among IDPs in Maiduguri, Nigeria.…”

Factors associated with COVID-19 pandemic induced post-traumatic stress symptoms among adults living with and without HIV in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

“…The study was conducted among adults in Nigeria. Studies on PTSD in Nigeria have been limited to prevalence in different populations [35,36]. Yet for a country with a high risk for traumatic incidences [37,38] now coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to understand how COVID-19 related factors are associated with PTSS as this may help in the design and implementation of PTSD management.…”

Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Stress Burden in Caregivers of Patients With Severe Mental Illness: An Underestimated Health Concern

“…Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex and heterogeneous mental illness that often has a poor outcome ( 7 ). The lifetime prevalence is estimated as ~4% ( 8 ). The psychiatric symptoms of PTSD can be grouped into 3 categories: (1) hypervigilance, which is associated with increased sympathetic tone and constant apprehension, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, and heightened arousal accompanied by a depressive mood; (2) resuscitation or recurrence of memories associated with the trauma, for example in the form of nightmares during sleep or as flashbacks in an awakened state; and (3) avoidance of cues that serve as a reminder or the traumatic event ( 9 ).…”