Trauma and mental health problems of Sudanese refugees in Uganda

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the extent of trauma and mental health problems.

Design: Screening surveys.

Setting: Sudanese refugee communities in Northern Ugandan camps.

Subjects: 100 adult refugees, 44 ex-soldiers, 60 patients at camp outpatient health facilities, 63 traditional healers' patients and 56 refugee children.

Main outcome measure: Rate of trauma.

Results: The most common trauma events experienced by 100 adults were forced isolation from others (94%), forced separation from family members (91%) and lack of food or water (83%). Thirty-two percent of the adults suffered post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among the 56 children, 12 (20%) suffered from a chronic PTSD. Forty-four ex-soldiers scored a median of 74.6 (Q1 = 62.3; Q3 = 79.1) on the depressive scale of the Hopskins Symptom checklist. Out of 60 outpatients at a dispensary, 12 (20%) had psychological disorder. Out of a total of 63 patients attending traditional and faith healers' facilities, 26% suffered from PTSD and 39% from depressive disorder.

Conclusion: High rates of trauma and psychosocial problems were found among Sudanese refugees in Uganda.