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 randomized 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 random 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:
Trauma and torture 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.