Essential healthcare services provided to conflict-affected internallydisplaced populations in low and middle-income countries: A systematicreview

Abstract

Background: Conflict and violent crises have resulted in over 40 million of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Most affected regions lack access to basic health resources and generally rely on humanitarian support. The objective of this review was to appraise primary health service interventions among conflict-induced internally displaced populations in low and middle income countries between 2000 and 2019. Methods: A systematic review of literature in the following databases: Embase, MEDLINE, PsyArticles, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, LILAC and CAB Articles, was performed to identify interventions implemented in conflict IDP settings. Results: Initial searches yielded 4578 papers and 30 studies met the inclusion criteria. Descriptivesynthesis analysis was used, and the final selections were assessed using a customized CriticalAppraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. Included papers were from Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and the Middle East regions. Most studies were on prevention interventions, especially water treatment and maternal health. Treatment interventions mostly focused on onmalaria and mental health. Only one food and nutrition study with outcome data was identified, indicating limitations in IDP health-related intervention publications. Reported interventions were conducted between one week to five years, and the study qualities were moderate. The most effective interventions were integrated programmes and common challenges were weakstudy methodology and data reporting. Conclusion: Regardless of the intervention types and durations, the services offered were beneficial to the IDPs. More intervention evidence are, however required as shown in gaps around food and nutrition, health education and disease surveillance.

Effect of displacement on Adherence to TB Treatment: An observational study in TB patients from Internally Displaced Persons of Pakistan

“…Similarly to other studies in which the education was found a contributing factor while the other gender and marital status were insignificant. 22 The nature of residency has shown a significant effect on adherence and the patients from the IDPs living in the camps have shown non-adherence to the medication higher than patients living in village or cities. This finding is in consistence with previous reports.…”

Understanding the health needs of internally displaced persons: A scoping review

“…For example, training IDPs as health workers in camps has sometimes proven effective ( Ehiri et al., 2014 ). Using existing structures can amplify intervention success and reduce costs ( Ekezie et al., 2020 ). Regardless of the intervention type and duration, essential healthcare service interventions appear beneficial for IDP health, with programmes integrating multiple public healthcare components offering the greatest benefit, uptake and coverage ( Ekezie et al., 2020 ).…”

“…Using existing structures can amplify intervention success and reduce costs ( Ekezie et al., 2020 ). Regardless of the intervention type and duration, essential healthcare service interventions appear beneficial for IDP health, with programmes integrating multiple public healthcare components offering the greatest benefit, uptake and coverage ( Ekezie et al., 2020 ). Mobile service provision may also be beneficial in active-conflict areas ( Mullany et al., 2008 ), although the evidence remains weak ( McGowan et al., 2020 ).…”

“…IDP health interventions such as water treatment can be crucial in controlling communicable diseases, reducing diarrhea incidence by about 90% and prevalence by over 80% ( Ekezie et al., 2020 ). However, disease stages can add to intervention complexity and affect treatment uptake and adherence.…”

Community-based surveillance in internally displaced people’s camps and urban settings during a complex emergency in Yemen in 2020

“…Cases among internally displaced people (IDP) may easily be missed owing to limited access to health facilities for self-reporting [ 11 , 12 ]. Because of the ongoing armed conflict and natural disasters in Yemen, around 172,386 IDPs were present in different governorates in the country from January to December 2020 [ 13 ].…”