Tadese, Sintayehu (PhD)Abebe, Solomon2019-01-112023-11-102019-01-112023-11-102008-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/15676The study focused on assessing the prevalence of mental distress and sexual violence among refugees at Sherkole Camp. It also aimed at investigating the causes, consequences, and phases of sexual violence. Furthermore, the study examined the prevalence of mental distress and sexual violence across age, sex and country of origin. To achieve the objectives of the study in question, 450 randomly selected refugees and 11 purposefully selected national staffs participated in the study. Thus, a total of 465 participants involved in the study. Different data collection instruments (SRQ 20 scale, interview focus group discussion and case history) were employed to gather the necessary data. Chi square was employed to analyze the obtained data. The prevalence of mental distress among refugees was found to be 44%. About 56.97% of the respondents surveyed in the study had thoughts of ending their life in the past 30 days. Reported mental distresses significantly differ among female and male respondents. More females 1 75 (83.33%) than male 160(72.72%) were found to suffer from mental distress(X2= 7. 02, df=l, P=0.008). Furthermore, the prevalence rate of mental distresses were high among Sudanese than non Sudanese (X2=58.6, df=l, P=O.OOO) refugees. On the other hand, the prevalence of sexual violence among refugees was found to be 52. 38%. In general according to the findings of the study the majority of the refugees at Sherkole encountered mental distress (44%) and experienced sexual violence (52.38). Far distance between tap water and shelter, intoxication and lack of awareness were among reported causes of sexual violence. Unwanted pregnancy, gynecological complications, sexually transmitted disease (STD), mental illness, suicidal feeling were found to be major consequences of sexual violence. Awareness creation, counseling and psycho social supports are recommended.enMental Distress and Sexual ViolenceThesis