Depression in survivors of female trafficking in shelter homes of Kathmandu Valley

Abstract

Introduction: Human trafficking is the recruitment and movement of individuals most often by force, coercion, or deception for the purpose of exploitation. There is very limited evidence on the health consequences of human trafficking. This study were to find out the prevalence of depression among survivors of female trafficking in the shelter homes of Kathmandu valley and also to find out severity of depression (mild, moderate and severe) among the survivors of female trafficking.

Methods: A cross- sectional design was implemented. A total of 67 participants was collected from 4 different NGOs working in the field by using probability proportion to size method and from each NGOs the participants were taken using purposive sampling. The consent was taken and strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied during participant's selection. The semi- structured proforma was filled with adequate information. Clinical diagnosis of depression was made according to ICD-10 classification of Mental and Behavioral Disorders-Diagnostic Criteria for Research (WHO-1992) in patients and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) was used to assess the severity of depression (mild, moderate and severe). Finally, information obtained from demographic profile, clinical features, and rating scale was analyzed by using suitable statistical tools.

Results: The study showed out of all 67 female human trafficking victims interviewed from 4 major shelter homes in Kathmandu valley a majority were found to be from the 16 to 20 years age group during the time of interview. Most victims were found to be trafficked at a young age, 11-15 years. A majority of them were lured with job proposals mostly by their own family members. Victims were mostly lead to India for trafficking as sex workers. Based on ICD 10 DCR 61.2% of the victims were found to be suffering from depression among which according to HDRS 16.4% had severe and 4.5% had very severe depression.

Conclusion: Despite a dramatic increase in the profile of human trafficking over the past decade, the evidence on trafficked people's experiences of violence and of depression and other mental health problems is extremely limited. Depression is quite common and more information is needed on trafficked people's health needs and experiences, including evidence on interventions to mitigate the physical and psychological damage associated with this global crime.