Peer-reviewed article
War-Related Disruptions and Health Service Outcomes Among Internally Displaced Persons in Tigray, Ethiopia: Evidence From Adigrat City.
Tekulu FB, Gebre HT, Weldemichael MM, Gebrekidan EW ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined how armed conflict disrupted health services for internally displaced persons in Adigrat City, Tigray, Ethiopia. Researchers surveyed 373 households across four zones and found severe destruction of hospitals and health centers, with about 70% of health service disruption linked to disrupted banking and increased crime. The conflict led to worsening maternal, infant, and elderly mortality outcomes. The study calls for coordinated reconstruction and targeted health sector rebuilding to help displaced populations recover.
Key points
- Widespread destruction and collapse of hospitals and health centers in IDP areas
- Approximately 69.8% of health service disruption associated with disrupted banking services and increased crime rates from conflict
- Negative impacts on maternal, infant, and elderly mortality rates
- Loss of access to health extension services and chronic disease treatment
- Need for coordinated postwar reconstruction and health sector restoration
Limitations
The study is a cross-sectional analysis of a specific urban IDP context in one city and may not represent experiences of displaced persons in rural areas or other regions. The study does not provide detailed comparison data on health outcomes before versus after the conflict or detailed mortality statistics.
Abstract
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are individuals or groups forced to leave their homes due to conflict, violence, or other coercive circumstances. This study examined the effects of armed conflict on health service availability and outcomes for IDPs residing in designated centers in Adigrat City, Tigray region, Ethiopia. From a total of 13,315 households (HHs), a stratified random sample of 373 respondents was drawn across four zones of Tigray. Key informants were selected using purposive and simple random sampling. Data were collected through direct observation, structured questionnaires, and interviews with key informants. The study focused on key indicators of health service disruption, including destruction of health facilities, access to health extension services, and treatment for chronic diseases, as well as broader health outcomes such as maternal, infant, and elderly mortality. Findings revealed severe negative consequences of war, including widespread destruction and collapse of hospitals and health centers. Regression analysis indicated that approximately 69.8% of the disruption in health service delivery and infrastructure within IDP areas was associated with the combined effects of disrupted banking services and increased crime rates resulting from the conflict. Overall, the study underscores the urgent need for coordinated postwar reconstruction, restoration of critical systems, and targeted interventions to rebuild the health sector and improve the well-being of displaced populations in Tigray.