The overlooked war in Northern Ethiopia: Examining psychological capital, mental distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder among internally displaced people in Amhara region.

This article examines the prevalence of mental distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among conflict-induced Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in the Wag Hemra Zone of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design with 367 participants from the Weleh IDP camp, the study found high rates of mental distress (63%) and PTSD (48%), with women, adolescents, widowed individuals, the less educated, and those exposed to sexual abuse or multiple traumas showing significantly higher symptoms. Psychological capital—comprising self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience—was identified as a significant negative predictor of mental distress and PTSD, with self-efficacy being the strongest protective factor. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions that enhance psychological capital, particularly self-efficacy, and call for targeted support for vulnerable subgroups within the IDP population.