Childhood polyvictimization is prevalent among refugee populations in Uganda and Ethiopia, with males experiencing higher rates than females, and is significantly associated with higher odds of mental distress, self-harm, and suicidal ideation/attempts in both settings.
Key Findings
Results
Males experienced higher rates of polyvictimization than females in both refugee settings.
In Uganda, polyvictimization prevalence was 49% for males vs. 30% for females.
In Ethiopia, polyvictimization prevalence was 33% for males vs. 29% for females.
Data drawn from cross-sectional household surveys of individuals aged 13-24 years in refugee settlements.
Results
Having a disability was identified as an individual-level risk factor for childhood polyvictimization in both settings.
Identified through multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Risk factor observed across both Uganda and Ethiopia refugee settings.
Analysis controlled for multiple covariates at individual and family levels.
Results
Endorsing intimate partner violence against women was an individual-level risk factor for childhood polyvictimization.
Identified in multivariate logistic regression models.
This risk factor was observed across both Uganda and Ethiopia refugee settings.
Measured among participants aged 13-24 years in representative household surveys.
Results
Having a difficult relationship with one's father was a family-level risk factor for childhood polyvictimization.
Identified as a family-level risk factor in multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Observed across both Uganda and Ethiopia refugee settings.
Analyzed alongside other family-level factors such as household food insecurity.
Results
Household food insecurity was a family-level risk factor for childhood polyvictimization.
Identified as a family-level risk factor through multivariate logistic regression.
Observed across both Uganda and Ethiopia refugee settings.
Reflects the challenging economic circumstances within refugee settlements.
Results
Living in a female-headed household was protective against childhood polyvictimization in both refugee settings.
Identified as a protective factor through multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Protective effect observed for both males and females across Uganda and Ethiopia.
This was the primary protective factor identified at the family level.
Results
Polyvictimization was significantly associated with higher odds of mental distress among refugee children and youth in both settings.
Association found among both females and males in Uganda and Ethiopia refugee settings.
Assessed using multivariate logistic regression with chi-square cross-tabulation.
Mental distress was one of three mental health outcomes examined alongside self-harm and suicidal ideation/attempts.
Results
Polyvictimization was significantly associated with higher odds of self-harm among refugee children and youth in both settings.
Association found among both females and males in Uganda and Ethiopia refugee settings.
Identified through multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Self-harm was examined as a distinct outcome from suicidal ideation/attempts.
Results
Polyvictimization was significantly associated with higher odds of suicidal ideation and attempts among refugee children and youth in both settings.
Association found among both females and males in Uganda and Ethiopia refugee settings.
Identified through multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Suicidal ideation/attempts were examined as a combined outcome category.
Methods
The study utilized two representative cross-sectional household surveys of refugee populations in Uganda and Ethiopia.
The Uganda Humanitarian Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (HVACS) 2022 included 1,338 females and 927 males.
The Ethiopia HVACS 2024 comprised 1,937 females and 1,536 males.
Both surveys covered individuals aged 13-24 years living in refugee settlements.
Analysis used cross-tabulation with chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression.