Prevalence and associated factors of mental health conditions among internally displaced persons living in a displacement camp in North Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: a community-based cross-sectional study

Forced displacement due to armed conflict is associated with a substantial burden of mental health disorders, particularly among internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in camps. In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), ongoing insecurity and protracted displacement expose IDPs to repeated traumatic events and chronic stressors. However, data remain limited on the prevalence of common mental disorders and their associated factors among camp-based IDPs in North Kivu, especially when accounting for heterogeneous exposure profiles.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2025 among adult IDPs residing in the Nyanzale displacement camp, North Kivu. Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were assessed using the GAD-7, PHQ-9 and PCL-5 scales, respectively. Exposure to potentially traumatic events before and during camp residence was analyzed using multiple correspondence analysis followed by hierarchical clustering to identify homogeneous exposure profiles. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted separately for each mental health outcome.

A total of 385 participants were included. Prevalences of moderate to severe anxiety, depression and probable PTSD were 56.2%, 43.6% and 47.3%, respectively. Exposure profiles characterized by persistent insecurity within the camp were strongly associated with increased odds of anxiety, depression and PTSD. Profiles marked by indirect exposure and non-sexual violence prior to displacement were also consistently associated with all three outcomes. Women and large household size were associated with higher odds of depression and PTSD, while previous residence in another displacement camp was associated with lower odds of all outcomes.

Mental health conditions are highly prevalent among IDPs living in camps in North Kivu and are shaped by both past traumatic exposure and ongoing camp-related stressors. These findings underscore the need for integrated mental health interventions that address insecurity and daily stressors in protracted humanitarian settings.