ISSN: 2578-5095
Authors: Pindar SK*, Onyencho VC, Ibrahim AW, Mshelia AA, Placidus O and Mshelia AI
This study examined available psychosocial support services at internally displaced persons camps in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria based on sphere standards and indicators. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study using multistage sampling technique; cluster sampling technique was used to select nine IDP camps and finally 450 household heads or family representatives were selected through systematic sampling techniques. Families were asked about social services; place of worship 435 (96.6%), community celebration 436 (96.8%), funeral services 428 (96.2%), recreational facilities for children 198 (44%), and 20 (4.4%) were opportune to participate in relief effort such as construction of mosques, schools, water pumps, sanitation facilities. Only 14.4% reported family member with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder; vivid imagery related to a violent memory, 45 (10%) families member with a previously diagnosed mental disorder, of which 25 (55.5%) are still receiving regular medication from Psychiatric hospital and 20 (45.5%) had abruptly stopped medication. This study revealed that creation of recreational facilities for children is essential and more IDPs should be giving opportunity to participate in relief effort and community development. Also, psychotropic drugs should be made free and available in the camps.
Keywords: Internally Displaced Persons; Nigeria; Sphere Standards and Indicators
