Depression and Associated Factors Among Refugees Amidst Covid-19 in Nakivale Refugee Camp in Uganda

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and health measures to prevent it have unprecedented effects on the mental health of the refugees. However, the situation of refugees in developing countries is unclear. Thus, this study estimated the prevalence of and associated demographic factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employed a cross-sectional survey carried out in June 2020 in which 146 adult refugees from Nakivale settlement camp were randomly selected to fill out a questionnaires-demographics and PHQ9. Results revealed that the majority of respondents were female (53%) and 47% had a depressive disorder. There was no statistical relationship between demographics (gender, age, and marital status) and depressive disorders. In Conclusion, findings indicate that depressive disorders are prevalent among refugees in the Nakivale settlement and it is important to identify refugees affected mentally and given proper treatment