Mental health problems prevalence and the associated effective demographic factors in Afghan refugees resettled in Dalakee refugee camp in 2005

Abstract

Background and Aims:Psychiatric morbidity among Afghan refugees in Iran, especially those who are resettled in camps has been poorly studied. This study was done to determine the prevalence of mental health problems and the associated effective demographic factors.Methods:Cross-sectional survey of 321 resettled Afghan refugees who were at least 15 years old. A version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) in Persian was administered. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis and logistic regression.Results:Social dysfunction with 80.1% and depression with 22.1% had the highest and lowest prevalence. 48.9% had psychosomatic problem, and 39.3% of them had anxiety. Regarding each person that had at least one mental health disorder as unhealthy, 88.5% of the studied population had mental health problem. Being a man, living with more than eight persons in the same home, and being ten or under ten years at the migration time were statistically significantly associated with higher levels of social dysfunction. Having psychosomatic problem was associated with unemployment, being born in Iran, being ten or less than ten years at the migration time, and having no entertaining programs. Having 1-3 children, living with more than eight persons in the same home, and positive history of chronic disease were statistically significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety. Moreover, having no entertaining programs, and family members' death during migration were associated with higher levels of depression.Conclusion:Mental health problems related to immigration and living in camps, were common among Afghan refugees resettled in Bushehr refugee camp.