Influence of Family Estrangement on Development of Mental Disorders among Refugees: A Case of Hagadera Camp in Daadab, Garissa County

Abstract

When compared to the normal population, refugees are more prone to psychosocial distress, which leads to the development of mental disorders. The current study sought to examine how family separation impact on the development of mental disorders among refugees. The study’s objective was to examine the influence of family separation on the development of mental disorders among refugees living in Hagadera Refugee Camp in the Daadab Complex. It employed descriptive research design, and was guided by the Attachment Theory. Simple random sampling method was used to recruit 200 participants from a population of approximately 600 refugees who visited Hagadera Mental Clinic monthly. Quantitative data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The study used descriptive statistics, including standard deviation, percentage and mean, to analyze data. Presentation of results was done by use of tables. The findings indicated presence of different mental disorders among participants, where the prevalence of mood disorders (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 indicated that family separation was pronounced, at a mean score of 3.16 (the highest score was 4.02 and the lowest score was 2.68). The regression model (Sig. value = 0.000) predicted that family separation contributed to the development of mental disorders among refugees. Regression analysis indicated a strong and a significant relationship between development of mental disorders and family separation (coefficient value = .417, p-value = .001). This understanding strengthens the relevance of tailor-made psychological intervention to address issues emanating from familial separation among the refugee community. Policy makers like UNHCR should enhance humanitarian services including refugee repatriation and communication. More studies need be conducted to establish if other psychosocial factors correlate with the development of mental disorders among refugees.