The influence of gender-based violence on the mental health of refugees, a case of Belameling refugee camp, West Nile region, Uganda

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of gender-based violence on mental health of refugees in Belameling Refugee Camp, South Sudan. The study objectives were to examine the influence of physical gender-based violence on mental health among refugees in Belameling Refugee Camp, to determine the effect of sexual gender-based violence on mental health among refugees in Belameling Refugee Camp, and to examine the effect of economic gender-based violence on mental health among refugees in Belameling Refugee Camp. The study employed a cross-sectional research design along with quantitative and qualitative approaches. From a study population of 440, a sample size of 205 respondents was used. Data was collected using questionnaires and an interview guide. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlations and regression analysis). The correlation findings revealed that physical gender-based violence were strongly and positively related to mental health among refugees in Belameling Refugee Camp (r = 0.854). Sexual gender-based violence exhibited a strong and positive relationship with mental health among refugees in Belameling Refugee Camp (r = 0.640), whereas economic gender-based violence exhibited a strong and positive relationship with mental health among refugees in Belameling Refugee Camp (r = 0.835). Regression analysis results revealed that all gender-based violence (physical gender-based violence, sexual gender-based violence, and economic gender-based violence) have a significant effect on mental health among refugees in Belameling Refugee Camp with net relationships (β = 0.523, β = 0.286, and β = 0.673, respectively). The study recommends implementing comprehensive support programs to address the impacts of physical, sexual, and economic gender-based violence on the mental health of refugees in Belameling Refugee Camp. Key initiatives include providing trauma-informed counseling, enhancing protective measures, and conducting awareness campaigns to educate refugees about mental health. Additionally, developing economic empowerment programs and strengthening collaboration between local authorities and NGOs will create a supportive environment for recovery,