War, displacement, and mental health: striving for health equity among young refugees and IDPs in Sudan

Abstract

Background: Since the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan on April 13, 2023, 13 million have been displaced, with young people bearing a significant share of the psychological burden. Despite growing awareness, the mental health impact of this crisis remains underexplored, especially among internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees aged 15 to 35. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the displaced Sudanese youth, using validated screening tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PC-PTSD-5). Participants were reached via an online questionnaire between September 2024 and January 2025. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify key predictors for each mental health condition. Results: Depression and anxiety were widespread, affecting over half the respondents, while PTSD symptoms were present in 19%. Financial loss, bereavement, job loss, and disruption of education were significantly associated with both depression and anxiety. PTSD was more likely among individuals displaced for over two years, those who experienced personal loss, and those whose education was interrupted. Females were disproportionately affected across all mental health outcomes. Conclusion: The mental health toll of the ongoing conflict in Sudan is severe among displaced youth, with a high prevalence of depression and anxiety driven by financial insecurity, loss, and disrupted life trajectories. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated mental health services within humanitarian responses. Addressing trauma through community-based interventions and psychosocial support is critical to prevent long-term harm.