[Psychosocial research during the war in Sarajevo]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Context:

• The Bosnian War (1992-1995) led to widespread social and psychological distress.
• Sarajevo experienced significant demographic and economic disruption.
• The study focused on the psycho-social impacts within Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Purpose:

• To investigate the psycho-social consequences of the Bosnian War on mental health.
• To analyze changes in psychiatric disorder incidence and prevalence.
• To assess the impact on different population groups, including children, adolescents, and refugees.

Summary:

• Increased hospital admissions for stress reactions and reactive psychoses were observed.
• Neurotic and psychotic disorders affected over 60% of Sarajevo's population.
• Alcohol psychoses and neurological/psychiatric invalidity rates showed complex patterns.
• Adolescent criminality and mental health issues in refugee populations were significant concerns.

Impact:

• Highlights the profound and lasting mental health burden of war.
• Underscores the vulnerability of displaced populations and socio-economically disadvantaged groups.
• Informs public health strategies for post-conflict mental healthcare and social support.
• Provides critical data for understanding war's impact on societal well-being.