Conflict, trauma, and coping: The experiences of internally displaced people in northern Ethiopia

Abstract

As of June 2023, there are more than 4,380,000 internally displaced people in Ethiopia due to conflict, drought, and social tension. This study examined the traumatic experiences of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the Wag-Hemra Zone of the Amhara Region of Ethiopia and the coping mechanisms utilized to overcome the impacts of their forced displacement. An exploratory qualitative design was used to guide the study. A purposive sampling technique was applied to select 12 IDPs from the Weleh IDP camp in Sekota town. A semistructured interview guide was developed, tested, and used to collect data through in-depth interviews that lasted for an average of 35 min. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive thematic analysis was performed using Nvivo14 qualitative software. Two major themes and six subthemes emerged from the analysis. Under the first theme, traumatic experiences, subthemes included escaping death and a traumatic journey, experiencing and witnessing violence and suffering, and loss and separation. Under the second theme, coping mechanisms, subthemes included religion and spirituality, optimism and positivity, and social support. The study highlighted the grave mental health implications of conflict and forced displacement that participants experienced and the dire need for urgent mental health interventions in Ethiopia's conflict-torn region. Mental health efforts should focus on enhancing social capital, leveraging spirituality, and promoting the communal culture to foster resilience and buffer the effects of traumatic events among IDPs.