Rohingya mHealth: Investigating Mental Health in Kutupalong Refugee Camp

Abstract

The mental health needs of people affected by humanitarian crisis are significant but may be overlooked by healthcare providers. This paper reports on a 3-month, mixed method, field trial of a digital screening tool to identify people suffering mental health issues in Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh. First, findings show that of 958 persons screened 20.46% exhibited indications of significant mental health issues. Second, ethnographic enquiries provide insights into the stressors of camp life, including, socio-spatial confinement, idleness, break-up of families, domestic disputes and uncertain prospects for the future, which in combination may explain the outcome of the screenings. The paper adds to the body of research on mental health in humanitarian crisis, and seeks to demonstrate the value of combining quantitative and qualitative data and analysis.

Keywords

• bangladesh
• digital humanitarian response
• humanitarian crisis
• mental health
• mental health screenings
• mixed methods
• rohingya