Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology
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Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · Sep 2012
Screening for traumatic exposure and psychological distress among war-affected adolescents in post-conflict northern Uganda.
The war in northern Uganda has had a debilitating effect on the mental health of children and adolescents in the population. This study measures the prevalence and considers the aetiology of psychological distress in war-affected adolescents 4 years after the end of the conflict. ⋯ War-affected adolescents may continue to suffer from significant psychological stress in the years following the cessation of conflict. Multiple exposure to a number of different types of traumatic event may directly increase the likelihood of psychological distress especially for those exposed to the most extreme violence. The feasibility of employing a locally developed and validated screening instrument is demonstrated. Implications for future research and intervention in post-conflict areas are considered.