@article {446, title = {Violence, suffering, and mental health in Afghanistan: a school-based survey.}, journal = {Lancet}, volume = {374}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Sep 5}, pages = {807-16}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: Studies in Afghanistan have shown substantial mental health problems in adults. We did a survey of young people (11-16 years old) in the country to assess mental health, traumatic experiences, and social functioning.

METHODS: In 2006, we interviewed 1011 children, 1011 caregivers, and 358 teachers, who were randomly sampled in 25 government-operated schools within three purposively chosen areas (Kabul, Bamyan, and Mazar-e-Sharif municipalities). We assessed probable psychiatric disorder and social functioning in students with the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire multi-informant (child, parent, teacher) ratings. We also used the Depression Self-Rating Scale and an Impact of Events Scale. We assessed caregiver mental health with both international and culturally-specific screening instruments (Self-Reported Questionnaire and Afghan Symptom Checklist). We implemented a checklist of traumatic events to examine the exposure to, and nature of, traumatic experiences. We analysed risk factors for mental health and reports of traumatic experiences.

FINDINGS: Trauma exposure and caregiver mental health were predictive across all child outcomes. Probable psychiatric ratings were associated with female gender (odds ratio [OR] 2.47, 95\% CI 1.65-3.68), five or more traumatic events (2.58, 1.36-4.90), caregiver mental health (1.11, 1.08-1.14), and residence areas (0.29, 0.17-0.51 for Bamyan and 0.37, 0.23-0.57 for Mazar-e-Sharif vs Kabul). The same variables predicted symptoms of depression. Two thirds of children reported traumatic experiences. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress were associated with five or more traumatic events (3.07, 1.78-5.30), caregiver mental health (1.06, 1.02-1.09), and child age (1.19, 1.04-1.36). Children\&$\#$39;s most distressing traumatic experiences included accidents, medical treatment, domestic and community violence, and war-related events.

INTERPRETATION: Young Afghans experience violence that is persistent and not confined to acts of war. Our study emphasises the value of school-based initiatives to address child mental health, and the importance of understanding trauma in the context of everyday forms of suffering, violence, and adversity.

FUNDING: Wellcome Trust.

}, keywords = {Adolescent, Adult, Afghan Campaign 2001-, Afghanistan, Attitude to Health, Child, Child Welfare, Cross-Sectional Studies, Faculty, Female, Health Surveys, Humans, Life Change Events, Male, Mental Disorders, Mental Health, Parents, Questionnaires, Risk Factors, Schools, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Violence}, issn = {1474-547X}, doi = {10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61080-1}, author = {Panter-Brick, C. and Eggerman, M. and Gonzalez, V. and Safdar, S.} }