Socio-economic and Psychological Effects of Civil Conflict in Kaduna North, North Western Nigeria
Worldwide an estimated 25 million people are displaced by conflicts. In Africa, there have been over 9 million refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from conflicts. The effects of conflicts include loss of life, loss of economic growth and development. The aim of the study was to assess socio-economic and psychological effects of civil unrest in a group of IDPs in Kaduna North, North Western Nigeria.
METHODS:
The study was a cross sectional descriptive study of 94 IDPs in a resettlement camp. The respondents were selected by two stage sampling. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data, socio-economic and psychological effects of the civil conflict that led to their living in the camp.
RESULTS:
About half of the respondents 45 (48%) were in the productive age group of 20-49 years. A little above half 49 (52%) were males. About a third 30 (32%) had some form of formal education. Out of the 94 respondents, 61 (65%) had at least one family member who had died during the conflict. Violence experienced included physical injuries 79 (84%) and sexual assault 1 (1%). Before the conflict, all respondents earned between $30-$310 USD per month but after the conflict only 4 (4%) reported having monthly earnings of $30-127 USD. Other economic effects of the conflict include destruction of property 68(72%) and loss of domicile 77 (82%). Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder experienced by respondents include difficulty in concentrating 90 (96%), nightmares 90 (96%) and difficulty in sleeping 89 (95%).
CONCLUSIONS:
The socio-economic and psychological effects of the civil unrest in the IDPs were negative. There is a need for relocation and resettlement efforts to include psychotherapy and psychiatric treatment of affected persons. There is also a need to provide economic ventures for IDPs to regain their economic independence.