Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Development of Mental Disorders among Refugees: A Case of Hagadera Camp in Dadaab, Garissa County

Abstract

When compared to the normal population, refugees are more prone to psychosocial distresses which lead to the development of mental disorders. The current study sought to examine the influence of psychosocial factors on the development of mental disorders among refugees in Hagadera Refugee Camp in Dadaab Complex, Kenya. The study’s objectives were; to examine the influence of collective ties on development of mental disorders; to determine the influence of acculturation on development of mental disorders; and to evaluate the influence of family separation on development of mental disorders among refugees living in Hagadera refugee camp in Dadaab Complex. Guided by Attachment Theory and Cognitive Theory. Using simple random sampling method, the study recruited 200 refugees visiting Hagadera Mental Clinic. Males accounted for 54% and females 47%.The study adopted descriptive

research design to collect and analyze quantitative data which was collected using self- administered questionnaires. The study used descriptive statistics including standard

deviation, mean, percentage, and frequency to analyze data and presentation was done by use of tables. The findings indicated presence of different mental disorders among participants where prevalence of mood disorders was (40.5%), anxiety disorders (39%), PTSD (8%), schizo-affective disorders (4.5%), narcolepsy (3.5%), psychosis (1.5%), somatic complaints (1.5%), stress (1%), and affective disorder (0.5%). Other findings were that participants reported low levels of acculturation as indicated by a mean score of 2.90 (lowest score 1.92, highest score 3.45) and a standard deviation of 0.937. Participants also scored low on collective ties with a means score of 3.54 (lowest score 2.49, highest score 3.97) and a standard deviation of 0.624. The findings also indicated that family separation was pronounced with a mean score of 3.16 (highest score 4.02, lowest score 2.68) and a standard deviation of 1.2000. Inferential statistics showed that the regression model was statistically significant in predicting that collective ties, acculturation and family separation contributed in the development of mental disorders among refugees (Sig. value of 0.000). Regression analysis indicated a strong and a significant relationship between collective ties and development of mental disorders (coefficient value=.217, p-value=.021), between acculturation and development of mental disorders (coefficient value = .118, p-value = .012), and between family separation and development of mental disorder (coefficient value = .417, p-value = .001). The study findings indicated that one consequence of experiencing compromised detached collective ties, family separation, and inability to acculturate accurately among refugees, is the development of mental disorders. This understanding fortifies the relevance of feasible and acceptable psychological intervention aimed at addressing issues emanating from strained collective ties, process of acculturation, and familial separation among refugees community.