Psychological and health problems of conflict-displaced ilaje adolescents and adults in Nigeria

Pages: 9-17
Bolanle Ogungbamila (Department of Pure & Applied Psychology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria )
Awoniyi B. Adeyanju (Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Nigeria )

Conflict-forced displacement has been associated with negative consequences among the victims. In Nigeria, less research attention has been paid to the psychological and health problems of conflict-displaced individuals. This study, therefore, compared some psychological (e.g., hopelessness & troubled sleep) and health (e.g., diarrhea & fever) problems of a group of conflict-displaced adolescents and adults. It also tested the extent to which such problems and the victims’ willingness to return to their place of habitual residence were associated perceived adequacy of the socio-economic support they received from the host community. Preliminary results indicated that the victims perceived that the displaced persons’ camps in Igbokoda had inadequate supply of basic facilities (e.g., water, electricity, health services, psychological services, & functional toilets). A significant numbers of the adolescents reported psychological and health problems than adults. Less number of conflict-displaced persons, who received adequate socio-economic support, reported psychological and health problems compared with those who received either inadequate or no socio-economic support from the host community. Socio-economic support was significantly associated with victims’ willingness to return to their habitual place of residence. Specifically, most of the victims who received no socio-economic support were willing to return compared with those who had either adequate or inadequate socio-economic support. In order to reduce psychological and health problems, especially among victims of conflict-forced displacement who are adolescents, adequate socio-economic support should be provided in displaced persons’ camps.