Prevalence and associated factors of mental health disorders among internally displaced persons in Gaza.

Abstract

Background: War and political instability continue in the Gaza Strip, and little is known about the impact on the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress and analyse the potential factors associated with them among internally displaced persons in the Gaza Strip.

Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive survey used a structured self-administered questionnaire to collect data from internally displaced persons aged ≥ 18 years in Deir al-Balah and South Gaza between 15 June and 15 August 2024. It used the Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items to investigate symptom severity for depression, anxiety and stress within one week before the survey. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0.

Results: Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were 99.5%, 99.7% and 93.7%, respectively. Participants aged >40 years had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing mental health disorder (P < 0.05). Majority of the participants (89.8%) were forced to change their shelter at least 2 times. Those who were forcefully displaced for more than 4 times had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing mental health disorder (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among internally displaced persons in the Gaza Strip, particularly among those living in tents and those frequently forced to change their shelter. These findings support the urgent need for effective interventions to prevent and control these disorders among affected families in Gaza and similar conflict zones.