Prevalence and Associated Factors of Mental Health Problems Among Internally Displaced Persons In-Transit in Mexico

Little is known about the mental health of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in-transit to their intended destinations. Many Mexican IDPs travel to the Mexico-United States border to apply for asylum, and remain there for weeks or months.

To assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among in-transit IDPs in the Mexico-United States border.

Cross-sectional, non-probability survey in shelters in Tijuana (September-October 2023). Participants were adult, Mexican IDPs. We evaluated depression and anxiety with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4), and post-traumatic stress symptoms with the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5). As independent variables, we considered social stratifiers, loss of social networks, time since displacement and in Tijuana, and direct experiences of violence.

Among 247 participants, 69% had mild-severe depression and anxiety (50% in heterosexual cis-men, 76% in heterosexual cis-women, and 64% in sex- and gender-diverse persons), and 50% post-traumatic stress symptoms (33% in heterosexual cis-men, 56% in heterosexual cis-women, and 33% in sexually- and gender-diverse persons). Heterosexual cis-women had higher scores than heterosexual cis-men (β = .67, p < .001 in the PHQ-4, and β = .59, p < .001 in the PC-PTSD-5). Having left a family member in the place of origin was associated with lower scores in the PHQ-4 (β = -.22, p = .057). Longer time since displacement was associated with lower scores in the PHQ-4 (β = -.09, p = .031). Longer time in Tijuana was associated with higher scores (β = .10, p = .050). Having experienced more types of direct violence was associated with higher scores in the PHQ-4 (β = .12, p = .037) and the PC-PTSD-5 (β = .16, p = .011).

over half of IDPs experienced mental health problems that required attention. Women, and those who spend longer time in interrupted transit, may be especially affected. Actions should be taken to provide care according to the needs of this population.