[Military and political crises and the psycho-physical health of internally displaced persons (IDPs): the case of Côte d'Ivoire].

People displaced by conflict who remain within the borders of their country are known as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The physical and psychological health of IDPs, who have been forced to relocate to a new environment, has not been adequately studied. The objective of this study was to compare the physical and psychological health of IDPs and non-displaced populations. The study examined 580 subjects aged 18-59 years living in Côte d'Ivoire, including 290 IDPs and 290 non-displaced persons. The physical and psychological health of both groups was examined and compared using face-to-face questionnaires. The prevalence of physical illness and depression and anxiety disorders were found to be twice as high among IDPs (80% compared to 42% and 60% compared to 30%). This study provides evidence of the high prevalence of physical and psychological morbidity among IDPs. The results highlight the importance of providing better support to this highly vulnerable population.