Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in displaced and non-displaced individuals after armed conflict: cross-sectional survey evidence from Kasai, Democratic Republic of Congo

Objectives The study aims to estimate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Greater Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and to examine how demographic and socio-economic factors, such as displacement status and livelihood conditions, are associated with these mental health outcomes. Design A cross-sectional two-stage multi-cluster sampling survey.

Setting In 2016 - 2019, a violent conflict in the Greater Kasai region of the DRC led to widespread atrocities and massive displacement. The population not only has to cope with the aftermath of interpersonal violence, loss of loved ones and displacement but also faces severe food shortages and livelihood crises.

Participants Data were collected in 2022 from 4069 randomly selected heads of households (displaced and non-displaced) within 126 randomly selected localities in 27 health zones in the Greater Kasai. The study collected data from households with different displacement experiences: internally displaced people (IDPs), returned IDPs, repatriated refugees and members of the host community (those without a displacement history).

Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcomes are mental health disorders.