Correlates of somatic symptom disorder among internally displaced persons in Ogoja displacement settlements, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Experiences of displacement have been associated with the prevalence of mental health disorders owing to certain factors. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the correlates of Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) among internally displaced adults in Ogoja displacement settlements, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 335 respondents. SSD was assessed using the SOM-SCL section of the Common Mental Disorder Questionnaire while a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic and displacement-related factors. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and multivariable logistic regression. Result: The prevalence of somatoform disorder was 59.1%. Factors found to be significant in each bivariate Chi-square analysis were modelled for the mental disorder. The multivariate analysis revealed that being married (AOR=2.80; p=0.020) prolonged displacement (AOR=3.29; p=0.003), discrimination (AOR=2.25; p=0.010), disease outbreak (AOR=1.92; p=0.030), loss of loved ones (AOR=1.34; p=0.028), overcrowded households (AOR=2.30; p=0.008), and fear of reprisals (AOR=2.05; p=0.026) were significantly associated with somatoform disorder. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the high prevalence of the studied outcome is related to several stressors and events among Internally displaced persons. Evidence-based mental health support efforts by different bodies in creating and routinely arranging mental health clinical interventions for this population is recommended.

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

Background: Displaced persons in Nigeria experience various difficulties at different stages of their displacement, including mental and physical problems. These experiences have been associated with different types of mental disorders. Aims: This study sought to identify sociodemographic correlates and other factors associated with depression and anxiety among internally displaced adults in Ogoja, Cross River State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using non-probability and probability sampling techniques. Internally displaced adults (n=335) were identified in Ogoja locations with a high prevalence of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Their mental health symptoms were assessed using the Common Mental Disorder Questionnaire, and a semistructured questionnaire was employed to collect data on sociodemographic and displacement-related characteristics. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, χ2 analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of subtypes was 66.0% for anxiety disorder and 73.4% for depression. Factors found to be significant in each bivariate χ2 analysis were modelled for each outcome. The multivariate analysis revealed that prolonged displacement (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=3.64; p=0.048), reduced family size (AOR=0.28; p<0.001) and fears of reprisal attacks (AOR=4.19; p=0.004) were significantly associated with anxiety disorder. Male gender (AOR=2.09; p=0.015), prolonged displacement (AOR=3.55; p=0.020), reduced family size (AOR=0.55; p=0.049), financial strain (AOR=5.43; p=0.023) and loss of loved ones (AOR=1.92; p=0.040) were significantly associated with depression. Conclusions: The implications of the findings underline the complex aetiology of these two mental problems and the need to cater to the well-being of those at risk who have been exposed to trauma-related events. Accessible and affordable mental health services should be provided for these persons while also considering a social welfare scheme that covers their health expenses. Moreover, socioeconomic conditions targeting IDPs in the Ogoja Local Government Area should be improved by conducting large-scale mapping to identify this population.