What does this research mean for the field?

Receipt of food and water/sanitation support is significantly associated with lower odds of probable depression and anxiety among refugees in Ugandan settlements. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To identify factors linked to probable depression and anxiety among refugees in Uganda and assess which types of humanitarian or government support correlate with better mental health.

August 23, 2026Conflict and HealthOpen Access

Humanitarian and government support and mental health among refugees in Ugandan settlements, 2021

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Authors

LRLeah E. RobertsColumbia University WKWilford KirungiMinistry of Health SBSamuel BiraroUniversity of London

Discussion

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Implication

Cross-sectional study finds food and water aid correlate with lower depression and anxiety among refugees, suggesting essential assistance supports psychological well-being.

Key Points

To identify factors linked to probable depression and anxiety among refugees in Uganda and assess which types of humanitarian or government support correlate with better mental health.
Analyzed data from the 2021 Uganda Refugee Population-based HIV Impact Assessment, a cross-sectional household survey across refugee settlements in Uganda (N=2,555).
Screened for probable depression and anxiety using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) and recorded household receipt of humanitarian or government support over the previous 12 months.
Applied survey-weighted logistic regression models to evaluate associations between specific types of assistance and mental health outcomes.
Probable depression occurred in 13.3% (n=409) and probable anxiety occurred in 14.0% (n=421) of participants.
Receiving food support was associated with 57% lower odds of probable depression (aOR 0.43, 95% CI 0.29–0.65) and 52% lower odds of probable anxiety (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.32–0.71).
Receiving water and sanitation support was associated with 40% lower odds of probable depression (aOR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37–0.99) and 45% lower odds of probable anxiety (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35–0.88), whereas other forms of aid showed no significant association.

Cite This Study

Roberts et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8aad977677a34114445c87 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-026-00828-8

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Implication

Cross-sectional study finds food and water aid correlate with lower depression and anxiety among refugees, suggesting essential assistance supports psychological well-being.

Humanitarian and government support and mental health among refugees in Ugandan settlements, 2021

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Humanitarian and government support and mental health among refugees in Ugandan settlements, 2021

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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