Changes in prevalence of mental disorders among internally displaced persons in central Sudan: a 1-year follow-up study

Post-traumatic stress disorder and associated factors among internally displaced persons in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Internally displaced people (IDPs), uprooted by conflict, violence, or disaster, struggle with the trauma of violence, loss, and displacement, making them significantly more vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence and associated factors of PTSD among IDPs in Africa.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2008 and 2023. The search included electronic databases such as PubMed, CABI, EMBASE, SCOPUS, CINHAL, and AJOL, as well as other search sources. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel, and analysis was performed using STATA 17 software. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI quality appraisal tool. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of PTSD and its associated factors. The funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to assess publication bias, and I2 test statistics was used to assess heterogeneity. The protocol for this review has been registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023428027).

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies with a total of 7,590 participants met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of PTSD among IDPs in Africa was 51% (95% CI: 38.-64). Female gender (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.65-2.32), no longer married (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.43-2.43), unemployment (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.17-2.67), being injured (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.50-1.50), number of traumatic events experienced [4-7(OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.16-3.01), 8-11 (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 2.18-4.12), 12-16 (OR = 5.37, 95% CI: 2.61-8.12)], illness without medical care (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.41-2.29), being depressed (OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 2.07-3.86), and frequency of displacement more than once (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.41-2.85) were significantly associated with an increased risk of PTSD.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis highlight the alarming prevalence of PTSD among IDPs in Africa. Female gender, marital status, number of traumatic events, ill health without medical care, depression, and frequency of displacement were identified as significant risk factors for PTSD. Effective interventions and the development of tailored mental health programs are needed to prevent PTSD among IDPs, focusing on the identified risk factors.

Anxiety, depression and stress among internally displaced persons and host community in an armed conflict region: A comparative study

This study compares the psychological profile of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and individuals living in host communities in the war-affected setting. We conducted a cross-sectional survey from October-November 2019. Subjects were recruited from six IDPs camps and the surrounding host communities within the metropolis of Maiduguri, Nigeria by convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Hausa version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, and analysed by logistic regression using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at 95% Confidence Interval (CI). A total of 562 subjects were recruited. Living in IDP camp was the most significantly predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress. The common predictors were living in an IDP camp, and marital status (separated). Aged 18-29years was a protective factor compared to those ≥50years. Living in IDP camps, separated from partners, lack of education and pre-conflict employment were significant predictors of depression, anxiety and stress.

The cross talk between chronotype, depression symptomatology, and glycaemic control among sudanese patients with diabetes mellitus: A case-control study

Aim of the Study:

There is an increasing awareness about chronotype and depression among patients with diabetes mellitus as commonly ignored serious association. We aimed to investigate the same among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their relation to glycaemic control.

Subjects' and Methods:

This case-control study conducted at two diabetes centers in Omdurman, Sudan during the period from April 2019 to September 2019. Ninety-two patient with type 2 diabetes and 94 controls signed a written informed consent then interviewed using a structured questionnaire based on the morningness–eveningness scale and the 12-item general health questionnaire; A blood sample was taken for the glycated haemoglobin to assess glycaemic control. The Statistical Package for Social Silences was used for Data analysis.

Results:

They were 92 patients with diabetes (58.7% women) and 94 healthy control subjects (52.1% women); matched for ages (57.03 ± 8.59 for diabetic patients and 58.46 ± 10.58 years for control subjects) and sex. Morning chronotype was reported in 95.3% vs. 47.5% and intermediate chronotype was evident in 52.4% vs. 4.3% in controls and patients respectively, P < 0.05. Depression symptomatology was found in 76.1% of patients with diabetes vs. 40.4% of control subjects, P < 0.05. No association was shown between depression symptomatology, chronotype, age, sex, and HbA1c, P > 0.05.

Conclusion:

Sudanese patients with diabetes were more likely intermediate, less morning chronotype, and more depressed compared to their counterparts. No association was found between depression symptomatology and other patient's characters. Larger studies investigating the risk behind depression, chrono-nutrition, and social jetlag among patients with diabetes are needed.