This study utilized a cross-sectional study design to assess the prevalence of anxiety disorders and drug abuse among young people residing in two internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Abuja. The two camps used for this study were the Durumi and New Kuchingoro IDP camps, which was randomly selected from a sample frame of IDP camps in Abuja. Using a quantitative method, questionnaires were used to collect data from young IDPs between April and May, 2021. Six hundred and thirty-seven (637) persons filled the questionnaires, which accounted for a 91% response rate. To participate in this study, young persons needed to meet the following criteria: (1) be between ages 13 and 24 (2) must have resided in either of the two camps for at least six months (3) must have been found to have mild to moderate mental health condition. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants, and participants were assured of utmost confidentiality during the research process. For persons aged 13-17 years, assent was obtained from their parents/guardians.
Data collection instruments
Anxiety disorders
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale was used to assess the prevalence of anxiety disorders in this population group. This is a 7-item questionnaire, which is an easy-to-use and self-administered questionnaire to assess the severity of generalized anxiety disorders.
Drug Abuse
The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of drug abuse in this population.
Data collection procedure
Data for this study were collected using the above tools and entered into a kobo collect and imputed on mobile tablets provided for this purpose. The GAD-7 and DAST-10 questionnaires were also translated into Hausa language by professional translators, who ensured a forward and backward translation was done. The Hausa version of the questionnaires were made available to participants who were literate in Hausa only.
Data analysis
Data was downloaded from the KoboToolBox database and imported into Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS) version 25 for analysis.
The GAD-7 score was calculated by assigning scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3, to the response categories of 'not at all', 'several days', 'more than half the days', and 'nearly every day', respectively, and adding together the scores for the seven questions. Scores of 5, 10, and 15 were taken as the cut-off points for mild, moderate and severe anxiety, respectively.
DAST-10 score was calculated by a respondent will receive 1 point for every "yes" answer with the exception of question #3, for which a "no" answer receives 1 point. DAST‐10 Score Degree of Problems Related to Drug Abuse Suggested Action. Score of 0 is No problems reported, 1-2 is Low level, 3-5 is Moderate level, 6-8 is Substantial level and 9–10 is severe level.
Descriptive analysis as well as inferential analysis using Chi-square was done. The level of significance was set at 0.05.
Ethical consideration
Prior to the commencement of this study, ethical approval was obtained from the Federal Capital Territory Health Research and Ethics Committee, Abuja with code no (FHREC/2021/01/04/18-01-21). This study was conducted in line with the Helsinki Declaration of Human Rights. Participants were assured of utmost confidentiality and that no harm would be done to the participants by being part of this study.