The migration experience and mental health in the context of insecurity: evidence from Burkina Faso

Abstract

Background

Since 2015, recurrent terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso have caused large-scale displacement, impacting the psychological health of affected populations. This study explores the effects of migration forced or voluntary on depression and anxiety among adolescents and young people aged 15–24, in line with SDG 3, which aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”.

Methods

The analysis is based on data from the baseline survey conducted by the Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population (ISSP) for the Sahel Resilience Building Program. A total of 1,911 adolescents and young people aged 15–24 living in four regions were interviewed. We measured mental health using two tools: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety. We used multinomial regressions to test the effects of migration status on depression and anxiety.

Findings

Forced migrants report higher symptoms of moderate or severe depression (11.1%) and anxiety (15.7%) compared to non-forced migrants (6.8% and 14.4%) and non-migrants (6.6% and 9.5%). Forced migrants were 2.16 times more likely (RRR = 2.16; p < 5%) than non-migrants to experience moderate or severe depression, and non-forced migrants were 2.12 times more likely (RRR = 2.12; p < 5%) than non-migrants to experience moderate or severe anxiety. Youth aged 20–24 and urban residents were also more likely to face these mental health issues.

Contributions

These findings call for more attention to the needs of both forced and non-forced migrants in terms of mental health. Psychological care mechanisms are needed in destination areas.