Basic Needs, Mental Health, and Women’s Health Among Internally Displaced Persons in Nyala District, South Darfur, Sudan

This study assessed the basic needs, women’s health, & mental health needs among women in refugee camps in South Darfur, Sudan. 1293 female household heads were interviewed in January 2005. With regard to mental health, nearly a third of respondents (390/1253) met criteria for major depressive disorder & 63% reported symptoms of depression. Over the prior year, 5% (66/1257) of respondents reported suicide ideation & 2% (28/1260)reported personal suicide attempts. 2% (21/1124) of households had a member who died by suicide in the previous year. 98% (381/390) felt counselling provided by international agencies would be helpful.