TY - JOUR T1 - Post-traumatic stress symptoms among former child soldiers in Sierra Leone: follow-up study JF - Br J Psychiatry Y1 - 2013 A1 - Betancourt, T. S. A1 - Newnham, E. A. A1 - McBain, R. A1 - Brennan, R. T. KW - *Warfare KW - Adolescent KW - Combat Disorders/*epidemiology/rehabilitation KW - Family Relations KW - Female KW - Follow-Up Studies KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Military Personnel/*psychology/statistics & numerical data KW - Prospective Studies KW - Sierra Leone/epidemiology KW - Stereotyping KW - Violence/statistics & numerical data AB - BACKGROUND: Former child soldiers are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, the trajectory of symptoms has yet to be examined. AIMS: The risk and protective factors associated with PTSD symptom change among former child soldiers in Sierra Leone were investigated. METHOD: Data from 243 former child soldiers (mean age 16.6 years, 30% female) were analysed. RESULTS: Self-reported rates of possible PTSD using standard cut-off points declined from 32% to 16% 4 years later (P<0.05). Symptoms of PTSD at baseline were significantly associated with war experiences (P<0.01) and post-conflict family abuse (P<0.001). Reliable improvement in symptoms was reported by 30%. In growth models examining symptom change, worsening of symptoms was associated with death of a parent (P<0.05) and post-conflict stigma (P<0.001). Protective effects were observed for increases in family acceptance (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated improvement in PTSD symptoms among former child soldiers despite limited access to care. Family and community support played a vital part in promoting psychological adjustment. VL - 203 SN - 1472-1465 (Electronic)
0007-1250 (Linking) N1 - Betancourt, Theresa S
Newnham, Elizabeth A
McBain, Ryan
Brennan, Robert T
eng
P60 MD002261/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/
1K01MH07724601A2/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
England
2013/07/28 06:00
Br J Psychiatry. 2013 Sep;203(3):196-202. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.112.113514. Epub 2013 Jul 25. U2 - 3759030 ER -