Prevalence of mental disorders among internally displaced persons in two high security challenge areas of Burkina Faso: case of the cities of Fada N'Gourma and Ouahigouya

Context and rationale Internally displaced persons are among the most vulnerable populations due, among other things, to traumatic experiences, the conditions surrounding their displacement, and precarious living conditions in reception camps. The mental health of these internally displaced persons can therefore be affected in a more or less lasting way. Burkina Faso, one of the five countries with the highest number of internally displaced persons in sub-Saharan Africa in 2021, is organizing the reception of those affected in appropriate sites. The objective of this survey was to determine the prevalence of mental disorders among the internally displaced population in the towns of Fada N'Gourma and Ouahigouya, located in areas of Burkina Faso with significant security challenges. Methods We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional survey of internally displaced persons housed in various accommodation sites in these two cities. We systematically included individuals aged 18 years and older who gave their free and informed written consent. For each eligible individual, we assessed various mental disorders using the MINI. Results A total of 815 people participated in the study, including 405 (66.61%) women. The average age was 40.06 ± 15.16 years (range = 18 to 98 years). The overall prevalence of mental disorders was 53.01% for both sites combined, with 69.25% in Ouahigouya and 35.22% in Fada N'Gourma. Anxiety disorders were the most common (53.01%), followed by mood disorders (42.82%). Conclusion This high prevalence of mental disorders highlights the need, on the one hand, to document the mental health situation of internally displaced persons in the country through action research and, on the other hand, to provide early and appropriate care for mental health disorders.