Violence, suffering, and mental health in Afghanistan: a school-based survey.

TitleViolence, suffering, and mental health in Afghanistan: a school-based survey.
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsPanter-Brick, C., M. Eggerman, V. Gonzalez, and S. Safdar
PubMed ID19699514
PubMed Central IDPMC2748901
Grant List / / Wellcome Trust / United Kingdom

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’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.

Title Violence, suffering, and mental health in Afghanistan: a school-based survey.
Publication Title Lancet
Publication Type Journal Article
Published Year 2009
Authors C. Panter-Brick; M. Eggerman; V. Gonzalez; S. Safdar
ISSN Number 1474-547X
PubMed ID 19699514
PubMed Central ID PMC2748901
Grant List
-

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

For breaking news and to stay connected, follow us on social media. Sign up to get our E-News delivered straight to your inbox.