Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Symptoms Among Adults During Armed Conflict in Sudan: The Role of Internal Displacement

Background: Mental health disorders, including depression, constitute a major global public health concern that can lead to significant morbidity as well as societal costs. Internally displaced people are at risk for depression. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms among adults in Atbara, northern Sudan, and identify the key factors associated with depressive symptoms, including internal displacement. Methods: Using a stratified sampling technique, data were collected by trained research assistants through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Multivariate binary analysis was performed. Results: Three hundred and seventy-three adults were enrolled in this study; 104 (27.9%) were males. Their median age was 42.0 years. Of the 373 adults, 81 (21.7%, 95.0% confidence interval = 17.5–25.9%) had depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores ≥ 8). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was significantly higher among displaced adults: 39 (28.1%) of the 139 displaced adults had depression, and 42 (17.9%) of the non-displaced adults had depression, p = 0.027. In multivariate binary analysis, being internally displaced was the only factor associated with depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio = 1.82, 95% confidence interval = 1.07–3.08); age, body mass index, sex, education, and marital status were not associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions: One out of five adults in this region of Sudan had depressive symptoms, which was associated with internal displacement. More effort and further research are needed to explore possible interventions to improve mental health and livelihoods, especially among internally displaced people.