Depression Trajectories Among Urban Refugee Youth in Kampala, Uganda
Author Information
Author(s): Admassu Zerihun, Chen Sikky Shiqi, Logie Carmen H., Okumu Moses, MacKenzie Frannie, Hakiza Robert, Musoke Daniel Kibuuka, Katisi Brenda, Nakitende Aidah, Kyambadde Peter, Mbuagbaw Lawrence
Primary Institution: Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto
Hypothesis
What sociodemographic and socioecological factors are associated with depression trajectories among urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda?
Conclusion
The study highlights the chronicity of depression among urban refugee youth in Kampala and the need for targeted mental health interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- 28.1% of participants showed persistently high levels of depressive symptoms.
- Older age and being a cisgender woman were associated with higher depression trajectories.
- Food insecurity was a significant predictor of chronic depression among participants.
Takeaway
Some young refugees in Kampala feel very sad all the time, while others feel okay. We need to help those who are sad.
Methodology
A longitudinal cohort study was conducted with refugee youth aged 16–24, assessing depression using the PHQ-9 and analyzing trajectories with latent class growth analysis.
Potential Biases
Nonrandom sampling may limit generalizability, and mobile phone ownership as a criterion may have excluded marginalized youth.
Limitations
The study may have been underpowered and focused solely on depression, potentially limiting the diversity of identified trajectories.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 89 cisgender women, 73 cisgender men, and 2 transgender persons, with a mean age of 19.9 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.06, 1.19
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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