Prevalence and Determinants of Depression Among Sudanese Displaced Populations Post-Conflict: A Cross-sectional Analysis

Marwa Mohamed- MD¹, Mohamed Hag Elagib - MD², Mayssaa  Mamoun²,  Hagir Elrashid, MD³, Abla Yousif, MD⁴, Asim Ahmed, MD⁵ (Corresponding Author)

Abstract

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a severe humanitarian crisis characterized by mass displacement and high psychological distress among the affected populations. These displaced individuals face numerous stressors, including the loss of homes, separation from family members, and the loss of future expectations, which make them more vulnerable to depression. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated sociodemographic factors among the displaced population in Sudan.

The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted among 1,200 people living in camps and temporary settlements in Sudan. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. The findings indicate that 42.6% of participants reported depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the multivariable logistic regression analysis identified gender, age, and employment status as significant factors associated with depression.

These results confirm the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions in Sudan's already strained health system. The mental health needs of the displaced population must be addressed to alleviate the burden of acute mental health issues among Sudanese civilians who have directly suffered from conflict and displacement. This calls for policy action and resource allocation to strengthen mental health services in Sudan's conflict-affected regions.

The Report  

Detailed Report on the Study: Prevalence and Determinants of Depression Among Displaced Populations in Sudan Introduction

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has precipitated one of the most significant humanitarian crises in the region, resulting in massive displacement and widespread psychological distress among affected populations. The displacement, marked by the loss of homes, family separation, and loss of future expectations, has left many individuals vulnerable to depression and other mental health issues.

This research focuses on assessing the prevalence of depressive symptoms and identifying the associated sociodemographic factors among displaced persons living in camps and temporary settlements across Sudan. The findings provide valuable insight into the mental health challenges faced by Sudanese civilians who have been directly impacted by conflict and displacement, highlighting the need for urgent interventions.

Study Objectives

The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms among displaced individuals in Sudan and to identify significant sociodemographic factors contributing to depression in this population. The study sought to answer the following questions:

• What is the prevalence of depressive symptoms in displaced populations in Sudan?
• Which sociodemographic factors are associated with the occurrence of depression in these populations?

Methodology

The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design to collect data from 1,200 displaced individuals living in various camps and temporary settlements in Sudan. The data was gathered using a structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic questions and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), which was used to assess depressive symptoms.

The PHQ-9 is a reliable and widely-used tool for assessing depression severity and includes questions related to mood, interest in activities, and other symptoms of depression. The sociodemographic factors collected in the study included:

• Gender
• Age
• Employment status

The data was then analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify which factors were statistically significant in contributing to depression.

Key Findings

1. Prevalence of Depression

   • The study found that 42.6% of the 1,200 participants reported experiencing depressive symptoms, reflecting the severe mental health burden faced by displaced individuals in Sudan. This high rate is consistent with previous research on the psychological effects of displacement in conflict-affected populations.

2. Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Depression

   • The study identified gender, age, and employment status as significant sociodemographic factors linked to depression among displaced populations.
     • Gender: Female participants were found to be at a higher risk of depression compared to males. This finding is consistent with global trends, where women, particularly in conflict zones, are often more vulnerable to mental health issues due to exposure to violence, trauma, and additional caregiving responsibilities.
     • Age: Older participants were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. This could be attributed to various factors, such as reduced mobility, loss of family members, or the psychological toll of witnessing prolonged conflict.
     • Employment Status: Unemployed individuals were found to be more susceptible to depression, which may reflect the economic hardships and the loss of financial stability associated with displacement. Employment offers a sense of purpose and financial security, both of which are essential in maintaining mental health.

3. Psychological Impact of Displacement

   • The study confirmed that the displacement caused by the Sudanese conflict has a profound psychological impact on individuals, who often face loss of homes, separation from family members, and a general sense of uncertainty about the future. These stressors increase vulnerability to depression, as individuals who have lost everything they know and have limited prospects for the future are more likely to experience mental health issues.

Discussion

The study’s findings indicate that depression is a significant mental health issue among displaced populations in Sudan, with nearly half of the respondents reporting symptoms of depression. This high prevalence of mental health disorders highlights the urgent need for mental health services to be incorporated into humanitarian relief efforts, ensuring that displaced populations receive the psychological support they need.

The association between gender, age, and employment status with depression suggests that mental health interventions should be tailored to address these specific risk factors. For instance, gender-sensitive programs could be designed to cater to the unique challenges faced by women in conflict settings, such as sexual violence, caregiving responsibilities, and social isolation. Similarly, elderly individuals and those unemployed need targeted support, such as access to social services and livelihood programs that promote economic stability.

Policy Implications

This research has significant implications for policy action in Sudan and the wider region. The findings emphasize the need for integrated mental health services as part of the humanitarian response. The study suggests that mental health care should be prioritized alongside other forms of humanitarian aid, such as food, shelter, and medical care. Mental health interventions should include:

• Culturally sensitive mental health programs that take into account the specific needs of displaced populations, including language and cultural factors.
• Community-based mental health services that provide accessible and confidential care, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, the elderly, and the unemployed.
• Psychoeducation and mental health awareness campaigns aimed at reducing stigma around mental illness and encouraging individuals to seek help.

Furthermore, the study calls for greater investment in mental health resources and training for healthcare professionals to improve the quality of care provided to displaced populations.

Recommendations

1. Gender-sensitive Mental Health Programs: Given the higher rates of depression among women, it is critical to develop programs that address the unique challenges women face in conflict settings, including gender-based violence, trauma, and caregiving responsibilities.

2. Support for the Elderly and Unemployed: Older adults and unemployed individuals are at higher risk for depression. Tailored interventions should focus on providing social support, economic opportunities, and psychological services to help alleviate these stressors.

3. Integration of Mental Health into Humanitarian Aid: Mental health services should be integrated into all humanitarian aid efforts in Sudan. Providing psychological support alongside basic necessities can help improve the overall well-being of displaced individuals.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage people to seek help could play an important role in improving the mental health of displaced populations. These campaigns should target both the general public and healthcare providers.

Conclusion

This study provides critical evidence of the mental health crisis facing displaced populations in Sudan. The high prevalence of depression among the displaced individuals underscores the need for urgent mental health interventions to alleviate suffering and support recovery. The research findings should inform policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and healthcare providers to prioritize mental health services in conflict-affected regions and ensure that mental health support is a core component of humanitarian aid. Addressing the mental health needs of displaced populations in Sudan is not only necessary for immediate relief but also for the long-term recovery and stability of these individuals and their communities.