Date of Award

January 2026

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Sarah Lowe

Abstract

Mental health outcomes among displaced populations are shaped by post-displacement stressors, yet the role of family dynamics, specifically, remains insufficiently understood. This study examines how family-related stressors are associated with mental health among internally displaced young adults in Nampula Province, Mozambique. Using a convergent parallel mixed methods design, this study integrated survey data from 601 participants with qualitative data from in-depth interviews with a subsample of 16 participants. Quantitative analyses showed that family separation and concern for family members in conflict zones were associated with higher posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, with family separation also linked to higher anxiety and depression symptoms. Family status (i.e., absence of family in Nampula) was associated with higher PTSD and depressive symptoms. In contrast, caregiving responsibilities were associated with lower PTSD and anxiety symptoms. Qualitative findings highlighted the role of chronic uncertainty about loved ones’ safety, relational strain within households, and families’ economic hardship in shaping PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. These findings demonstrate that mental health impacts are driven not only by discrete family-related events such as separation, but by ongoing processes within families including relationship quality and shifting social roles. Overall, this study highlights the need for interventions that move beyond individual-level approaches to address family stressors, strengthen communication across separation, and to provide more support for family caregivers and providers within displaced communities.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

Download
Open Access

This Article is Open Access

Share

COinS