Table 2 Overview of included studies, reported needs and findings
References | Study design | Setting | Country | Study sample* | Sampling method | Top three needs reported | Mean of needs | Other findings | Other instruments used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ayazi et al. [14] | Cross-sectional | Conflict or post conflict | South Sudan | N = 464 | multistage random cluster sampling | drinking water, alcohol, and drug use in the community and access to sanitation facilities | 12.18, CI (11.57 to 12.80) | Higher level of perceived needs significantly predicted psychological distress | General Health Questionnaire (GHQ 12) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) |
Bapolisi et al. [16] | cross-sectional | Conflict or post conflict | Uganda | N = 387 | Quota and stratified sampling | Distress Care for family member Healthcare | N/A | PTSD was positively associated with stress | International Neuropsychiatric Interview |
Da Silva et al. [18] | Cross sectional | Hurricane | Costa Rica | N = 1000 | N/A | Health problem Distress Lack of adequate help | N/A | Needs assessment is fundamental for a proper response after a hurricane | None |
Falb et al. [15] | Cross sectional | Conflict or post conflict | Syria | N = 214 | N/A | N/A | 12.2 (S.D.: 3.4; range 2–20) | Mean of perceived needs was associated with currently being displaced and reporting some form of disability. Mental health needs of women in conflict areas needs to be further addressed | Nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Washington Group on Disability Statistics Short Set Questions, intimate partner violence |
Jordans et al. [13] | Cross sectional | Conflict or post conflict | Jordan, Nepal | Jordan; n = 269, Nepal, n = 269), total N = 538 | Multistage cluster sampling | Not stated | 10.61 SD (5.88) and 8.10 (4.64) | Indirect effects of trauma exposure on distress via current perceived unmet needs were found | GHQ-12, Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) |
Kane et al. [17] | Cross sectional | Earthquake | Nepal | N = 513 | stratified multi-stage cluster sampling | Shelter, Distress, Income/ livelihood | 9.73 to 3.27 | A greater number of perceived needs was associated with higher odds of depression, anxiety and PTSD | Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25, PTSD Checklist-Civilian, hazardous alcohol use (AUDIT-C), Assessment Schedule of Serious Symptoms in Humanitarian Settings (WASSS) Composite International Diagnostic Interview |
Cross sectional | Conflict or post conflict | Sweden | N = 85 | Purposive sampling | income or livelihood, separation from loved ones, being displaced from home | 4, (SD 2.71) | Addressing people’s current perceived needs should be considered in health care systems that cater to immigrants | Qualitative interviews | |
Hugelius et al. [8] | Cross sectional | Conflict or post conflict | Kenya | N = 320 | Purposive sample | Income or livelihood, Too much free time, Law and justice in your community | 4.52 (SD 3.2, range 1–15) | HESPER Web was found to be reliable and usable for assessing perceived needs in humanitarian emergencies | None |