Abstract:
Introduction: Now a days 48 million people have internally displaced persons (IDPs) fled
conflict and violence in world wide. Mental disorders associated with forced internal
displacement are varied and most studies have focused on a limited numbers of disorders, such
as PTSD, anxiety and depression and somatoform disorders. This research assessed Common
mental disorder and psychosocial support Among Amhara and Agew Internally displaced people
in Benishangul Gumuz Region. IDPs had living in Awi Zone Chagni (ranch), Menta wuha and
Addis Alem. Methods: An explanatory mixed approach with cross-sectional survey design using
stratified random sampling technique, a total of 405 IDPs were taken. HTQ, HSCL-25and PHQ 15 data collection instruments used and also for qualitative part & Semi structured interview
used for data collection. To analyze the data mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, ONE
WAY ANOVA and thematic analysis were used. Result: data were analyzed using SPSS version
20. The result indicated that 390 (96.3%) of participants found to have symptoms of depression
followed by anxiety 382 (94.3%), PTSD & 368 (90.9%) and somatoform disorders 172 (42.5%)
10-14 points=Moderate (27.9%) 15-30 points= Sever, the rest were mild and minimal.
Independent sample t-test indicated that, there is significant mean difference in the level of PTSD
(t (403) = 3.35, p<0.00), Anxiety (t (403) = .046, p<0.05), Depression (t (403) =2.88, p<0.01)
and somatoform disorder (t (403) = .119, p<0.05 between male and female respondents. One way ANOVA result also indicated that there is a significant mean differences in the level of
PTSD (F (4,400) = 3.5, p<0.05), anxiety (F (4,400) =4.8, P<0.05, depression (F (4, 400) =14.4,
<0.05) and somatoform disorders (F (4,400) = 10.6 across educational status. One-way ANOVA
also show that, the level of PTSD (F (3,401) = 4.17, p<0.05), anxiety (F (3,401 = 3.32, P<0.05)
depression (F (3, 401) =5.24, p<0.05) and somatoform disorders (F (3,401) = 4.47found to be
significant difference across marital status. Mental health challenges were the main problems of
IDPs. However, some concerned bodies gave psychosocial supports for IDPs. Conclusion:
Common mental Disorder (post-traumatic stress disorders, Anxiety, depression and somatoform
disorders) were main problems. However, those challenges and problems were slightly
addressed by psychosocial intervention with some concerned bodies (UNICEF, UNCHR and
Amhara regional state health Bureau).
