PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS INFLUENCING MENTAL HEALTH OF VULNERABLE POPULATIONS AT RISK IN KAKUMA REFUGEE CAMP, KENYA

Abstract

The refugee experience is characterized by exposure in one's country of origin to numerous traumatic incidents during migration and daily stressors after settlement in the camps because of natural disasters, wars and persecution based on their race, religion, political beliefs and social identity, who cannot rely on their country of origin to protect them. Although numerous studies on deaths, illnesses and physical traumas resulting from wars and disasters have been conducted, there are scanty longitudinal studies on how psychosocial issues influence refugees' mental health and the problem-specific interventions used to address mental ill health. The prevalence of mental ill health among refugees keeps increasing in spite existing psychiatric treatment options. The overarching objective of the study was to investigate the influence of psychosocial factors on the mental health of vulnerable populations at risk in Kakuma refugee camp, Turkana County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the influence of socio-economic factors on the mental health of vulnerable populations at risk in Kakuma refugee camp; to explore the psychosocial wellbeing of vulnerable populations at risk in Kakuma refugee camp and to evaluate the psychosocial support interventions used to address mental health problems among populations at risk in Kakuma refugee camp. The study was guided by trauma and social causation theories. The study was underpinned by descriptive and evaluative research designs. Out of a sample frame of 38,530 and study population of 158,365, a sample size of 394 households was derived through stratified sampling (appendix VII), twelve key informants were selected through purposive sampling method and four FGDs were conducted. Structured questionnaires, interview guides, observation checklists and FGDs were used to collect primary data. Secondary data was sought from official reports, journals, and books. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The analyzed data was presented using tables, charts, and bar graphs. Study findings indicated that the refugees are socio-economically disadvantaged as indicated by high dependency levels on humanitarian aid (60%), low income levels(60% with no income), inadequate shelter (47%) and food supply (47.4%), poor infrastructure (48%), poor social support systems as evidenced by resettlement and acculturation challenges (62.2%), disruption of family and community systems (58.1%), restrictions on capacity to work (63.7%).On psychosocial well-being of the refugees, the study established that the refugees exhibited evidence of trauma(extreme sadness 43%), anxiety (44.5%) and depression(55%). For psychosocial support interventions applied in addressing mental health problems, the study findings indicate that identification of safe spaces was the least effective intervention (61%) while rehabilitation programs was ranked the most effective (31.1%). Overall conclusion of the study was that the mental health of vulnerable populations at risk is influenced by psychosocial factors as indicated by statistical significance of P=0.000 at 99% confidence interval. The study findings offer psychosocial interventions based on an interdisciplinary approach for sustainable solutions towards addressing the mental health of vulnerable populations at risk among refugees in Kakuma camp. This study recommends prioritized socio-economic empowerment of the refugees, timely addressing of their psychosocial wellbeing, specialized psychosocial support interventions and a holistic approach in formulation of policies and procedures to safeguard the mental health of vulnerable populations at risk in Kakuma refugee camp.