Internally displaced persons [IDPS]; anxiety and depression

ABSTRACT

Most internally displaced persons [IDPs] live in low-income countries experiencing a war; their psychosocial health has not been well addressed. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of anxiety and depression in internally displaced persons [IDPs]. Design: A r and omized cluster sampling, case-controlled study. Period 10th April 2009 to 10th July 2009. Setting: This study was conducted at Kacha Ghari camp and Sheikh Yaseen camp for IDPs. Patients and Method: A total of 220 cases [those whom were exposed to traumatic experiences] were selected through cluster r and om sampling. 220-matched controls [those whom were not exposed to traumatic experiences] were selected same day using the same sampling method. Both sexes were included. Socio-demographic information was obtained from IDP- information form. Anxiety and depression was assessed using Hopkins symptoms checklist – 25 [HSCL-25]. SPSS version -17 was used for statistical analysis. Chi square test was applied for group comparison to calculate statistical significance. Results: More than half of the participants [60 %] in this study were in age group between 18 to 38 years. 55 % of the population were females. Majority of participant were married [86% - 90%] and were uneducated [74% - 90%] belongs to lower socio-economical class. The total Scores and the Depression Scores on Hopkins symptoms checklist – 25 [HSCL-25], were significant high in case group than in control group with the P values of 0.04 and 0.05 respectively. Discussion:Traumaandtorture leaves a permanent scar on the survivors. It has physical, psychological and social squeals. Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 is intended to provide primary care physicians, mental health practitioners and other health care providers with an instrument for detecting anxiety and depression in torture and trauma victims. Conclusions: Besides being displaced from their residence exposure to trauma come out to be the important causative factor in creating psychological disturbance among internally displaced persons.