War experiences, general functioning and barriers to care among former child soldiers in Northern Uganda: the WAYS
Kennedy Amone-P'Olak1, Peter Jones2, Richard Meiser-Stedman3
1Department of Psychology, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda.
Background:
Exposure to war is associated with considerable risks for long-term mental health problems (MHP) and poor functioning. Yet little is known about functioning and mental health service (MHS) use among former child soldiers (FCS). We assessed whether different categories of war experiences predict functioning and perceived need for, sources of and barriers to MHS among FCS.
Methods:
Data were drawn from an on-going War-affected Youths (WAYS) cohort study of FCS in Uganda. Participants completed questionnaires about war experiences, functioning and perceived need for, sources of and barriers to MHS. Regression analyses and parametric tests were used to assess between-group differences.
Results:
Deaths, material losses, threat to loved ones and sexual abuse significantly predicted poor functioning. FCS who received MHS function better than those who did not. Females reported more emotional and behavioural problems and needed MHS more than males. FCS who function poorly indicated more barriers to MHS than those who function well. Stigma, fear of family break-up and lack of health workers were identified as barriers to MHS.
Conclusions:
Various war experiences affect functioning differently. A significant need for MHS exists amidst barriers to MHS. Nevertheless, FCS are interested in receiving MHS and believe it would benefit them.
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