The psychological impact of two years of displacement and living in camps on displaced children in Al Qadarif, Sudan (Mar 2025)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Since early 2023, escalating conflict and environmental disasters in Sudan have forced over 3.5 million people to flee their homes, with Al Gedaref State hosting approximately 500,000 displaced individuals, including an estimated 200,000 children (UNHCR, 2024). Prolonged displacement and overcrowded camp conditions have exposed children to severe psychological stressors, including trauma from violence, family separation, food insecurity, and disrupted education. Studies in similar contexts indicate that 40–60% of displaced children exhibit symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depression (SCI, 2023), yet data specific to Sudan remain limited. Without intervention, these conditions may lead to long-term cognitive and emotional impairments affecting future generations.

This study aims to assess the prevalence of PTSD, depression, and anxiety among displaced children in Al Gedaref after two years of camp residence and to identify key risk factors, including lack of schooling, family separation, and malnutrition, contributing to mental health deterioration.

METHODS/STUDY DESIGN

This study employs a mixed-methods, cross-sectional design, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to assess the psychological impact of displacement on children in Al Gedaref, Sudan. Data were collected between January and March 2025 from 10 displacement gathering sites, targeting children aged 6–17 years and their caregivers. The sample included 600 displaced children (300 boys and 300 girls) and 200 caregivers, selected using stratified random sampling to ensure representation across age groups, gender, and camp locations.

RESULTS/EXPECTED RESULTS

Displaced Sudanese children face a severe mental health crisis, with approximately 50–65% exhibiting symptoms of PTSD, 40–55% experiencing anxiety, and 35–50% showing signs of depression, particularly among adolescents. Family separation, lack of schooling, food insecurity, and overcrowding were identified as key risk factors. Gendered patterns were observed, with girls more likely to internalize distress and boys more likely to externalize symptoms. Fewer than 20% of affected children were able to access mental health services due to limited availability and persistent stigma. Scaled-up, trauma-informed interventions are urgently needed.

CONCLUSIONS/DISCUSSION

The findings reveal severe psychological distress among displaced children in Al Gedaref, with 50–65% showing PTSD symptoms and 40–55% experiencing anxiety or depression after two years in camp settings. Urgent action is required to expand mental health services, strengthen child-friendly spaces, and address critical gaps in Sudan’s humanitarian response.