Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
Volume 102, Issue 3, 2000, Pages 171-177

The prevalence of mental health problems in Rwandan and Burundese refugee camps (Article)

De Jong J.P. , Scholte W.F.* , Koeter M.W.J. , Hart A.A.M. , Scholte P.
  • a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Holland, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • b Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Holland, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • c Academic Medical Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • d Academic Medical Centre, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • e Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, PO Box 22700, 1100 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

Objective: We examined the prevalence of mental health problems in refugees living in camps that emerged in Tanzania during the Rwanda crisis that started in 1994. Method: Using the 28-item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), we examined two samples: a random sample (n = 854) and a sample of clients of a psychosocial support programme in these camps (n = 23). Sensitivity, specificity and positive- and negative predictive values were estimated for several cut-off scores of the GHQ-28. Results: The prevalence of serious mental health problems was estimated at 50% (SE 12%). When using the GHQ-28 as a screener, a cut-off score of 14 is recommended. Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of mental health problems, psychosocial programmes for large refugee populations should aim at strengthening community structures and supporting groups instead of focusing at individuals. The screening capacity of the GHQ-28 could be used to identify mentally vulnerable groups.

Author Keywords

Mental health Refugees Rwanda Prevalence Questionnaires

Index Keywords

community mental health depression refugee mass screening Rwanda mental health human Refugees middle aged priority journal Aged psychosocial care Mental Disorders screening mental disease Burundi Humans Adolescent male female questionnaire prevalence sensitivity and specificity Article support group Questionnaires adult major clinical study posttraumatic stress disorder accuracy
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0033845196&doi=10.1034%2fj.1600-0447.2000.102003171.x&partnerID=40&md5=fed8022b31cf6c0e8813913cc70ffa53
DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2000.102003171.x
ISSN: 0001690X
Cited by: 50
Original Language: English