Differences in mental health between younger and older adults in complex humanitarian settings in low-income and middle-income countries: retrospective analysis from Medecins Sans Frontieres-supported mental health services, 2019-2024.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Humanitarian emergencies increase the risk of development or exacerbation of mental health conditions. This study documents how mental health differs between younger and older adults to inform adapted mental health services in humanitarian settings.

Methods

This multicountry study includes adults who accessed Médecins Sans Frontières-supported mental health services in humanitarian settings across 20 low-income and middle-income countries between July 2019 and July 2024. Mental health symptoms and precipitating events were compared between younger (20-49 years old) and older adults (50 years or older) adjusting for sex and displacement status using logistic regression analyses.

Findings

Data of 177 228 adults were included. Adults most frequently presented

SUBMITTER: van Boetzelaer E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12481304 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature