Prevalence of depression and associated factors among Somali refugee at Melkadida camp, Southeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

Fetuma Feyera,Gemechu Kumera,Getnet Mihretie,Asres Bedaso,Dereje Gedle

doi:10.1186/s12888-015-0539-1

Fetuma Feyera, Gemechu Kumera + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-015-0539-1

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Abstract

BackgroundPsychological distress, psychosomatic complaints and clinical mental disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are highly prevalent among refugees than other populations. Even though there were several studies done on mental health of refugees globally, there is very few in Ethiopia regarding the mental health of these vulnerable populations. Thus we aimed at determining the prevalence of depression and identifying determinants of depression among refugees.MethodsA community based cross-sectional multistage survey with 847 adult refugees was conducted in May 2014 at Melkadida camp, Southeast Ethiopia. Data were collected by face to face interviews on socio demographic by using structured questionnaire, level of exposure to trauma by Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and depression symptoms by using Patient Health Questionnaire. Data entry and clearance were carried out by EpInfo version 7 and analysis was carried out by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version-20 software package. Data was examined using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals.ResultOver one third (38.3 %) of respondents met the symptoms criteria for depression. Gender, marital status, displaced previously as refugee, witnessing murderer of family or friend, lack of house or shelter and being exposed to increased number of cumulative traumatic events were significantly associated with depression among Somali refugees in Melkadida camp.ConclusionThe study revealed a relatively high prevalence of depression episode among refugees. Being female, divorced, deprived of shelter and witnessing the murder of family are most determinants of depression in refugees. Strengthening the clinical set up and establishing good referral linkage with mental health institutions is strongly recommended.

Highlights

Psychological distress, psychosomatic complaints and clinical mental disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are highly prevalent among refugees than other populations
No group is immune to mental disorders but the risk of depression is higher among the homeless, the unemployed, persons with low education, victims of violence, migrants and refugees, abused women and the neglected elderly [3]
This study indicated that being women, being widowed, being married, witnessing to disappearances, witnessing murder of family or friend, experiencing 7 to traumatic events and experiencing to 16 traumatic events were associated with depression [9]

Summary

Introduction

Psychological distress, psychosomatic complaints and clinical mental disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are highly prevalent among refugees than other populations. Psychological distress, psychosomatic complaints and clinical mental disorders such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder are more prevalent among refugees than other populations [1]. No group is immune to mental disorders but the risk of depression is higher among the homeless, the unemployed, persons with low education, victims of violence, migrants and refugees, abused women and the neglected elderly [3]. Refugees and asylum seekers (those awaiting decisions on whether their refugee status is accepted) are at elevated risk of developing mental health problems as they have often experienced multiple and chronic adversities, and studies have demonstrated their higher prevalence of psychological disorders, in particular of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder [5]

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