Mapping Risk of Mental Disorders and Substance Use Among Conflict-Affected IDPs in the Majority World: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE: According to the latest Global Report on Internal Displacement, there has been a 51% increase in internally displaced persons (IDPs) over the past five years, with most conflict-related displacements occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization estimated a 22% prevalence of mental disorders among conflict-affected populations in LMICs. Despite their particular vulnerability, research has largely focused on refugees in high-income countries, leaving gaps in understanding mental health risks faced by IDPs. This scoping review aims to map evidence on factors associated with mental disorders and substance use among IDPs in the majority world. METHOD: The search included PubMed and Global Index Medicus (GIM), with supplementary searches in Google Scholar and relevant gray literature sources, including International Organization for Migration reports. Studies published in English and Spanish between 2014 and 2024 were included. RESULTS: Relevant studies across Sub-Saharan Africa, Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA), Asia, and the Americas met the inclusion criteria. Findings showed that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety were the most frequently studied mental disorders, while studies on substance use were more limited. The reported risk factor themes included loss and violence, health status and access, displacement conditions, trauma-related psychological factors, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, social/governmental support, and resilience. CONCLUSION: The studies mostly followed observational and cross-sectional quantitative designs, limiting causal inference and emphasizing the need to focus on qualitative and longitudinal approaches to better understand the long-term impacts of displacement on mental health and substance use.