title: Basic health, women's health, and mental health among internally displaced persons in Nyala Province, South Darfur, Sudan.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We assessed basic health, women's health, and mental health among Sudanese internally displaced persons in South Darfur.
  
  
  METHODS
  In January 2005, we surveyed 6 registered internally displaced persons camps in Nyala District. Using systematic random sampling, we surveyed 1293 households, interviewing 1 adult female per household (N=1274); respondents' households totaled 8643 members. We inquired about respondents' mental health, opinions on women's rights, and the health status of household members.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A majority of respondents had access to rations, shelter, and water. Sixty-eight percent (861 of 1266) used no birth control, and 53% (614 of 1147) reported at least 1 unattended birth. Thirty percent (374 of 1238) shared spousal decisions on timing and spacing of children, and 49% (503 of 1027) reported the right to refuse sex. Eighty-four percent (1043 of 1240) were circumcised. The prevalence of major depression was 31% (390 of 1253). Women also expressed limited rights regarding marriage, movement, and access to health care. Eighty-eight percent (991 of 1121) supported equal educational opportunities for women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Humanitarian aid has relieved a significant burden of this displaced population's basic needs. However, mental and women's health needs remain largely unmet. The findings indicate a limitation of sexual and reproductive rights that may negatively affect health.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center, Veterans Affairs Boston Health Care System, Boston, Mass, USA.
authors.forename: Glen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Rabih
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Torbay
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lawry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000533:Altruism; D003710:Demography; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D005523:Food Supply; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D012036:Refugees / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013397:Sudan / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014857:Warfare; D014881:Water Supply; D016387:Women's Health / Q000208:ethnology; D014933:Women's Rights