Sociodemographic correlates and associated factors of depression and anxiety among internally displaced adults in Ogoja, Nigeria.

Background: Displaced persons in Nigeria experience various difficulties at different stages of their displacement, including mental and physical problems. These experiences have been associated with different types of mental disorders. Aims: This study sought to identify sociodemographic correlates and other factors associated with depression and anxiety among internally displaced adults in Ogoja, Cross River State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using non-probability and probability sampling techniques. Internally displaced adults (n=335) were identified in Ogoja locations with a high prevalence of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Their mental health symptoms were assessed using the Common Mental Disorder Questionnaire, and a semistructured questionnaire was employed to collect data on sociodemographic and displacement-related characteristics. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, χ Results: The prevalence of subtypes was 66.0% for anxiety disorder and 73.4% for depression. Factors found to be significant in each bivariate χ Conclusions: The implications of the findings underline the complex aetiology of these two mental problems and the need to cater to the well-being of those at risk who have been exposed to trauma-related events. Accessible and affordable mental health services should be provided for these persons while also considering a social welfare scheme that covers their health expenses. Moreover, socioeconomic conditions targeting IDPs in the Ogoja Local Government Area should be improved by conducting large-scale mapping to identify this population.