Kennedy Amone-P'Olak1, Peter Jones2, Richard Meiser-Stedman3, Rosemary Abbott2, Paul Stephen Ayella-Ataro4, Jackson Amone5, Emilio Ovuga6. 1. Department of Psychology, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda. 2. Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. 3. MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge CB2 7EF, UK. 4. Save the Children International, PO Box 10414, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. 5. Department of Clinical and Curative Services, Ministry of Health, PO Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda. 6. Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Exposure to war is associated with considerable risks for long-term mental health problems (MHP) and poor functioning. Yet little is known about functioning and mental health service (MHS) use among former child soldiers (FCS). We assessed whether different categories of war experiences predict functioning and perceived need for, sources of and barriers to MHS among FCS. METHODS: Data were drawn from an on-going War-affected Youths (WAYS) cohort study of FCS in Uganda. Participants completed questionnaires about war experiences, functioning and perceived need for, sources of and barriers to MHS. Regression analyses and parametric tests were used to assess between-group differences. RESULTS: Deaths, material losses, threat to loved ones and sexual abuse significantly predicted poor functioning. FCS who received MHS function better than those who did not. Females reported more emotional and behavioural problems and needed MHS more than males. FCS who function poorly indicated more barriers to MHS than those who function well. Stigma, fear of family break-up and lack of health workers were identified as barriers to MHS. CONCLUSIONS: Various war experiences affect functioning differently. A significant need for MHS exists amidst barriers to MHS. Nevertheless, FCS are interested in receiving MHS and believe it would benefit them.
BACKGROUND: Exposure to war is associated with considerable risks for long-term mental health problems (MHP) and poor functioning. Yet little is known about functioning and mental health service (MHS) use among former child soldiers (FCS). We assessed whether different categories of war experiences predict functioning and perceived need for, sources of and barriers to MHS among FCS. METHODS: Data were drawn from an on-going War-affected Youths (WAYS) cohort study of FCS in Uganda. Participants completed questionnaires about war experiences, functioning and perceived need for, sources of and barriers to MHS. Regression analyses and parametric tests were used to assess between-group differences. RESULTS: Deaths, material losses, threat to loved ones and sexual abuse significantly predicted poor functioning. FCS who received MHS function better than those who did not. Females reported more emotional and behavioural problems and needed MHS more than males. FCS who function poorly indicated more barriers to MHS than those who function well. Stigma, fear of family break-up and lack of health workers were identified as barriers to MHS. CONCLUSIONS: Various war experiences affect functioning differently. A significant need for MHS exists amidst barriers to MHS. Nevertheless, FCS are interested in receiving MHS and believe it would benefit them.
Authors: Theresa S Betancourt; Robert T Brennan; Julia Rubin-Smith; Garrett M Fitzmaurice; Stephen E Gilman Journal: J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry Date: 2010-05-01 Impact factor: 8.829
Authors: Mark J D Jordans; Ivan H Komproe; Wietse A Tol; Aline Ndayisaba; Theodora Nisabwe; Brandon A Kohrt Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2012-10-25 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Kennedy Amone-P'Olak; Tlholego Molemane Lekhutlile; Emilio Ovuga; Rosemary Ann Abbott; Richard Meiser-Stedman; David Gage Stewart; Peter Brian Jones Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2016-01-22 Impact factor: 3.295