Thursday 1 September 2011

PTSD, depression and anxiety among former abductees in Northern Uganda

PTSD, depression and anxiety among former abductees in Northern Uganda
Abstract
Background: The population in Northern Uganda has been exposed to extreme levels of
traumatic stress and thousands abducted forcibly became rebel combatants.

Methods: Using structured interviews, the prevalence and severity of posttraumatic stressdisorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety was assessed in 72 former abducted adults, 62 ofthem being former child soldiers.

Results: As retrospective reports of exposure to traumatic stress increased, anxiety and PTSD occurrence increased (r=.45). 49% of respondents were diagnosed with PTSD, 70%presented with symptoms of depression, and 59% with those of anxiety. In a multiple linear regression analysis four factors could best explain the development of PTSD

symptoms:male respondents (sex) living in an IDP-Camp (location) with a kinship murdered in the war (family members killed in the war) and having experienced a high number of traumatic events (number of traumatic events) were more likely to develop symptoms of PTSD than others. In disagreement to a simple dose-response-effect though, we also observed a negative correlation between the time spent with the rebels and the PTSD symptom level.

Conclusions: Former abductees continue to suffer from severe mental ill-health. Adaptation to the living condition of rebels, however, may lower trauma-related mental suffering
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Sudan: Southern Kordofan Civilians Tell of Air Strike Horror

The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) are indiscriminately bombing civilian areas in the Nuba Mountainsregion of Southern Kordofan and preventing aid from reaching desperate displaced people, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said today.
Researchers from both groups, during a week-long mission to the area in late-August, investigated 13 air strikes in Kauda, Delami and Kurchi areas. Those air strikes killed at least 26 civilians and injured more than 45 others since mid-June. The researchers also witnessed government planes circling over civilian areas and dropping bombs, forcing civilians to seek shelter in mountains and caves. “The relentless bombing campaign is killing and maiming civilian men, women and children, displacing tens of thousands, putting them in desperate need of aid, and preventing entire communities from planting crops and feeding their children,” said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The Sudanese government is
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