Suicide ideation and psychosocial distress among refugee adolescents in Bidibidi settlement in West Nile, Uganda

Abstract

This study investigated the factors associated with suicidal ideation and psychological distress among Sudanese refugees (aged 10–19 years) in Bidibidi refugee settlement, Yumbe district, Uganda. The analysis is based on cross-sectional data collected as part of the implementation of a project on sexual and reproductive health in Bidibidi refugee settlement. Data were collected from 284 South Sudanese adolescents in July 2020. We estimated the prevalence of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, and their associated profiles. Odds ratios and their 95% Confidence Intervals based on a logistic regression model were used to assess the effect of different potential factors on the risk profiles for suicidal ideation and psychological distress. The prevalence of psychological distress (on KS-6 scale) was estimated to be 12.3% (95%CI: 8.7, 16.7%). The risk for psychological distress is low among male adolescents (AOR = 0.51; 95%CI: 0.23, 1.02), older adolescents, (AOR = 0.12; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.40), and adolescents with a friend or family members they can confide in (AOR = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.11, 0.96). Both suicidal ideation and psychological distress are very high among the female adolescents. Familial and individual interventions can be potentially useful for female adolescents who have a high risk of suicide and psychological distress.

Psychological distress in adolescents: prevalence and its relation to high-risk behaviors among secondary school students in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda

“…Another study conducted among adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda reported a comparable rate of 51% psychological distress [ 30 ]. Contrary to the present study findings, a study conducted among refugee adolescents in West Nile, Uganda reported a much lower prevalence of psychological distress (12.3%) [ 7 ]. The stress and pressure associated with secondary school education and high expectations from the teachers and parents or guardian of these students might explain the high prevalence of psychological distress among the school-going adolescents reported in the present study [ 42 ].…”

“…Mental health conditions (including psychological distress) are a public health challenge that affects daily activities of adolescents including their school and work performance, relationships with family and friends, and involvement in the community [ 2 , 5 ]. Psychological distress has been associated with several negative consequences such as suicidal ideation and attempt [ 6 , 7 ], poor academic performance [ 8 ] and poor physical health [ 9 , 10 ] among adolescents.…”

“…Previous studies have indicated that psychological distress is common among adolescents. For example, prevalence rates of 35% in Canada [ 9 ] 54% [ 7 ] in Saudi Arabia and 40% in China [ 8 ]. In low-and middle-income countries, high prevalence of psychological distress has been reported among adolescents.…”

“…Also, a study conducted in Zambia reported 15.7% of psychological distress among adolescents [ 11 ], while a study in Tanzania reported 20.6% single psychological distress and 10.3% multiple psychological distress [ 12 ]. In Uganda, a study conducted among refugee adolescents reported 12.3% psychological distress [ 7 ] while another Ugandan study reported 83.2% psychological distress among orphaned youths and youths experiencing sexual exploitation [ 13 ].…”

Lifetime violence and suicidal ideation among young women (18–24 years) in Uganda: Results from a population-based survey

“…The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 6.3% in a sample of university students ( 10 ); another study found that the prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents was as high as 30.6% ( 11 ). Among the refugees hosted in Uganda, the prevalence of suicidal ideation is 5% ( 12 ). A range of factors are associated with suicidal ideation including financial difficulties ( 13 ), family breakdown or conflicts ( 14 ), and trauma ( 11 ), unemployment ( 10 ).…”