Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: Banditry has led to an unprecedented level of displacement of large number of people in Northwestern Nigeria, which has left them exposed to various traumatic events, leading to various mental health conditions, especially depression, which is one of the most common psychological disorders among internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of psycho-traumatic experiences and depression, and associated factors among victims of banditry living in IDPs camps in Sokoto.
Methodology: A total of 415 participants were recruited using systematic sampling technique and were administered the socio-demographic questionnaire, Harvard Trauma Questionnaire-Revised (HTQ-R), and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Using SPSS, Chi-square test was used to determine association while binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of depression. P value set at 0.05.
Results: The mean age was 36.7 years (SD ± 16.5). Majority (79.3%) were females. The most prevalent traumatic event was being forced to hide and this was reported by 353 (85.1%) while the least was sexual abuse or sexual humiliation, 14 (3.4%). The prevalence of depression was 42.7%. The independent predictors of depression were age (˂18) at first displacement (p=0.001) and past depression (p˂0.001).
Conclusion: There is high prevalence of traumatic experiences and depression among IDPs affected by banditry in Sokoto. The findings in this study have provided data that will be beneficial to all stakeholders in shaping policy and intervention programs that will solve the mental health crisis among the IDPs in Sokoto.

Key words: Depression, Internally Displaced Persons, Traumatic Experiences.