Prevalence and determinants of depression and anxiety among Sudanese during the ongoing civil conflicts: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Armed conflicts have profound effects on mental health, including elevated rates of depression and anxiety among affected populations. The ongoing civil conflict in Sudan since April 2023 has exacerbated these challenges. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the determinants of depression and anxiety among Sudanese residents affected by the ongoing civil conflict. This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 1st and May 30, 2024. Data were collected through online surveys and face-to-face interviews. The validated Arabic versions of the Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale were used to assess depression and anxiety levels, respectively. In total, 920 Sudanese participants were included with a mean age of 35.0 ± 12.2 years; 52.3% were females and 90.1% had migrated due to civil conflicts. Of the participants, 99.3% and 98.6% reported varying levels of depression and anxiety, respectively. Predictors of depression were female sex (β = 4.71, P < .0001), living in the Eastern state (β = 4.13, P < .0001), living in a rural area (β = 2.33, P = .012), noncompletion of formal education (β = 7.36, P = .026), working individuals (β = -5.58, P < .0001), larger household sizes (16-20 members) (β = 6.79, P = .026), sufficient income (β = -10.22, P < .0001), those with the ability to save money (β = -11.56, P < .0001), and individuals with insufficient income (β = -5.61, P < .0001). The predictors of anxiety were being female (β = 6.05, P < .0001), and noncompletion of formal education (β = 7.11, P = .024), current working (β = -5.56, P < .0001), larger household sizes (16-20 members) (β = 6.12, P = .035), sufficient income ((β = -5.60, P < .0001), ability to save money (β = -5.52, P = .004), and insufficient income (β = -2.60, P = .006). These findings underscore the impact of war on mental health. Effective humanitarian interventions targeting vulnerable groups and addressing socioeconomic determinants are critical for mitigating the psychological toll of ongoing conflict in Sudan.