Prevalence and Associated Factors of Mental Health Problems Among Internally Displaced Persons In-Transit in Mexico.

IF 2.7 4区医学 Q2 PSYCHIATRY

International Journal of Social Psychiatry Pub Date : 2025-10-07 DOI:10.1177/00207640251377112

Ietza Bojorquez, Israel Ibarra-González, Gabriel Pérez-Duperou, Carlos Hernández

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the mental health of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in-transit to their intended destinations. Many Mexican IDPs travel to the Mexico-United States border to apply for asylum, and remain there for weeks or months.

Aims: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among in-transit IDPs in the Mexico-United States border.

Method: Cross-sectional, non-probability survey in shelters in Tijuana (September-October 2023). Participants were adult, Mexican IDPs. We evaluated depression and anxiety with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4), and post-traumatic stress symptoms with the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5). As independent variables, we considered social stratifiers, loss of social networks, time since displacement and in Tijuana, and direct experiences of violence.

Results: Among 247 participants, 69% had mild-severe depression and anxiety (50% in heterosexual cis-men, 76% in heterosexual cis-women, and 64% in sex- and gender-diverse persons), and 50% post-traumatic stress symptoms (33% in heterosexual cis-men, 56% in heterosexual cis-women, and 33% in sexually- and gender-diverse persons). Heterosexual cis-women had higher scores than heterosexual cis-men (β = .67, p < .001 in the PHQ-4, and β = .59, p < .001 in the PC-PTSD-5). Having left a family member in the place of origin was associated with lower scores in the PHQ-4 (β = -.22, p = .057). Longer time since displacement was associated with lower scores in the PHQ-4 (β = -.09, p = .031). Longer time in Tijuana was associated with higher scores (β = .10, p = .050). Having experienced more types of direct violence was associated with higher scores in the PHQ-4 (β = .12, p = .037) and the PC-PTSD-5 (β = .16, p = .011).

Conclusions: over half of IDPs experienced mental health problems that required attention. Women, and those who spend longer time in interrupted transit, may be especially affected. Actions should be taken to provide care according to the needs of this population.

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墨西哥境内过境流离失所者心理健康问题的流行程度及其相关因素。

背景：人们对前往预定目的地的境内流离失所者的心理健康知之甚少。许多墨西哥境内流离失所者前往美墨边境申请庇护，并在那里停留数周或数月。目的：评估在墨西哥-美国边境过境的国内流离失所者中抑郁、焦虑和创伤后应激症状的患病率及其相关因素。方法：横断面，非概率调查在蒂华纳收容所（2023年9月至10月）。参与者是成年的墨西哥境内流离失所者。我们使用患者健康问卷（PHQ-4）评估抑郁和焦虑，并使用DSM-5初级保健PTSD筛查（PC-PTSD-5）评估创伤后应激症状。作为独立变量，我们考虑了社会分层、社会网络的丧失、流离失所和在提华纳的时间，以及直接的暴力经历。结果：在247名参与者中，69%患有轻至重度抑郁和焦虑（异性恋顺式男性中为50%，异性恋顺式女性中为76%，性别和性别多样化者中为64%），50%患有创伤后应激症状（异性恋顺式男性中为33%，异性恋顺式女性中为56%，性别和性别多样化者中为33%）。异性恋顺式女性的得分高于异性恋顺式男性(β =。67, p p = .057)。移位时间越长，PHQ-4评分越低（β = - 0.09, p = 0.031）。在提华纳待的时间越长，得分越高（β =）。10, p = .050)。经历过更多类型的直接暴力与更高的PHQ-4得分相关(β =。12, p =。037)和PC-PTSD-5 (β =。16, p = .011)。结论：半数以上的国内流离失所者有需要注意的心理健康问题。妇女和那些在交通中断中花费较长时间的人可能会受到特别的影响。应采取行动，根据这一人群的需要提供护理。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Social Psychiatry PSYCHIATRY-

CiteScore

12.30

自引率

1.30%

发文量

120

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Social Psychiatry, established in 1954, is a leading publication dedicated to the field of social psychiatry. It serves as a platform for the exchange of research findings and discussions on the influence of social, environmental, and cultural factors on mental health and well-being. The journal is particularly relevant to psychiatrists and multidisciplinary professionals globally who are interested in understanding the broader context of psychiatric disorders and their impact on individuals and communities. Social psychiatry, as a discipline, focuses on the origins and outcomes of mental health issues within a social framework, recognizing the interplay between societal structures and individual mental health. The journal draws connections with related fields such as social anthropology, cultural psychiatry, and sociology, and is influenced by the latest developments in these areas. The journal also places a special emphasis on fast-track publication for brief communications, ensuring that timely and significant research can be disseminated quickly. Additionally, it strives to reflect its international readership by publishing state-of-the-art reviews from various regions around the world, showcasing the diverse practices and perspectives within the psychiatric disciplines. This approach not only contributes to the scientific understanding of social psychiatry but also supports the global exchange of knowledge and best practices in mental health care.