Living conditions, mental health status and common illnesses present in an Internally Displaced Persons’ Camp in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Globally, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) may be faced with precarious situations that can be detrimental to their well-being. This study assessed the living conditions, mental health status and common illnesses present in an IDPs Camp in Benue State.

Methods: The study was carried out at Ichwa camp located in North-Bank, Makurdi, Nigeria. One hundred and fifteen consenting adults were consecutively recruited using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and mental status was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire–12 (GHQ-12).  The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.  The level of significance was set at P<0.05.

Results: The respondents mean age was 45.12 ± 15.33 years, majority were female (88.7%), married (47.0%), and had informal education (59.1%). Over the preceding three months, 80% had experienced illness, with most seeking treatment at patent medicine stores (69.6%). Common ailments included febrile illness (30.6%), cough (19.9%), hypertension (18.3%), and bites from scorpions, snakes, and dogs (7.7%). Borehole water (98.2%) and pit latrines (90.4%) were predominantly used, with 84.3% sleeping under insecticide-treated nets. Many females used pieces of clothing to manage menstrual flow (72.2%). Mental stress was prevalent, affecting 84.3% of respondents, and was significantly associated with age and duration of stay in the camp.

Conclusion: The findings highlight suboptimal living conditions and widespread mental stress among IDPs, with febrile illness being particularly common. The study recommends advocating for sustainable interventions to improve the well-being of IDPs in the camp.