{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Coping strategies of internally displaced persons and the host community in a region of armed conflict: A cross-sectional study.
{Author}: Salihu D;Chutiyami M;Bello UM;Wong EML;Pich J;Alsharari AF;Ali MU;Sulaiman SK;Kwan RYC;
{Journal}: Psychiatry Res
{Volume}: 339
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Sep 14
{Factor}: 11.225
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116035
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Conflict leads to the displacement of people, making it more difficult for them to cope with increasing stress. In war-affected regions, people use different strategies to cope with their stress. This study examines the coping strategies of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and those in host communities in war zones.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>People living in the IDP camp and host communities in Maiduguri, Nigeria were recruited using a convenient sampling strategy. A 28-item Hausa version of the Brief COPE Scale wasused for data collection. Data were analyzed using linear regression and presented as unstandardized beta (B) and standard error (SE).<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A total of 562 participants were recruited (IDPs, n = 281; and the host communities, n = 281). Problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies were identified as the most common approaches used in host communities; however, dysfunctional strategies were morecommon among the IDPs. Age (younger or older adulthood) was identified as a predictor forthe use of emotion-, problem-, and dysfunctional-focused coping strategies.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Host communities were more likely to use a problem-and emotion-focused approach to coping, while IDPs were more likely to use dysfunctional strategies. Location and demographic factors (being single, aged 18-29years, >50 years and older) also influenced coping.