Prevalence of common mental disorders and their associated factors among internally displaced persons in Burao-Somaliland: community-based cross-sectional study.

Objective : This study sought to ascertain the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to identify factors associated with these conditions among internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in Burao, Somaliland. Methods : A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 15 to May 30, 2023, involving 372 internally displaced persons (IDPs) aged 18 years and above, selected from two settlements in Burao. Data collection was performed using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires that incorporated validated screening tools: PC-PTSD-5, GAD-7, and PHQ-9. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were employed to analyze prevalence and associated factors. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results : The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and PTSD was found to be 63.4%, 53.0%, and 38.2%, respectively. Older age (26–35 years: AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.10–5.30; 36–60 years: AOR = 3.58, 95% CI: 1.62–7.89) was associated with an increased likelihood of PTSD. Married individuals were more likely to report anxiety (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.38–8.28), while being single was associated with higher odds of PTSD (AOR = 4.41, 95% CI: 1.24–15.75). Secondary education appeared to be protective against anxiety (AOR = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01–0.47). Residing in a household with 5–9 members increased the risk of anxiety (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.11–3.22). Individuals displaced for 1–5 years exhibited reduced odds of depression (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04–0.47). Conclusion : Mental disorders are highly prevalent among IDPs in Burao, with depression being the most common. Age, marital status, education, household size, and duration of displacement were significantly associated with mental health outcomes. Urgent, tailored psychosocial interventions and sustained support systems are essential to mitigate these vulnerabilities.