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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 4/2012

Open Access 01-04-2012 | Original Paper

Perceived needs, self-reported health and disability among displaced persons during an armed conflict in Nepal

Authors: Suraj Bahadur Thapa, Edvard Hauff

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 4/2012

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Abstract

Background

Most internally displaced persons (IDPs) live in low-income countries and have experienced war. Few studies have assessed their psychosocial needs and disability. We carried out a comprehensive assessment of perceived needs, self-reported health, and disability among IDPs in Nepal and examined factors associated with disability.

Method

A cross-sectional survey among 290 IDPs in Nepal was conducted between June and July 2003. We used the World Health Organization’s Disability Assessment Schedule-II (WHO-DAS II) with additional local items to assess disability symptoms and a separate checklist to identify their perceived needs. Depression and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Hopkins Symptom Check List (HSCL-25), while the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Civilian Version (PCL-C) was used to assess Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

Results

Different perceived needs such as financial help (70%), housing (40%), food and education for their children (20%) were expressed by the IDPs. Self-reported health status was strongly associated with distress and disability scores. Factors independently associated with disability were higher age, self-reported health, depression, anxiety but not PTSD. There was good correlation between WHO-DAS II and the locally identified items of disability measurement.

Conclusions

The reporting of findings only about psychiatric symptoms is insufficient in studying the mental health of displaced and potentially traumatized populations living in low-income countries. Assessments of perceived needs and factors associated with disability give a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying needs among crisis populations, and this can inform intervention programs. Depression and anxiety should be treated effectively to avoid disability.
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Metadata
Title
Perceived needs, self-reported health and disability among displaced persons during an armed conflict in Nepal
Authors
Suraj Bahadur Thapa
Edvard Hauff
Publication date
01-04-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-011-0359-7

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