Trauma and mental health problems of Sudanese refugees in Uganda.

Journal: The Central African journal of medicine

Volume: 45

Issue: 5

Year of Publication: 2000

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of the North, Sovenga, South Africa. PeltzerK@unin.unorth.ac.za

Abstract summary 

To determine the extent of trauma and mental health problems.Screening surveys.Sudanese refugee communities in Northern Ugandan camps.100 adult refugees, 44 ex-soldiers, 60 patients at camp outpatient health facilities, 63 traditional healers' patients and 56 refugee children.Rate of trauma.The most common trauma events experienced by 100 adults were forced isolation from others (94%), forced separation from family members (91%) and lack of food or water (83%). Thirty-two percent of the adults suffered post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among the 56 children, 12 (20%) suffered from a chronic PTSD. Forty-four ex-soldiers scored a median of 74.6 (Q1 = 62.3; Q3 = 79.1) on the depressive scale of the Hopskins Symptom checklist. Out of 60 outpatients at a dispensary, 12 (20%) had psychological disorder. Out of a total of 63 patients attending traditional and faith healers' facilities, 26% suffered from PTSD and 39% from depressive disorder.High rates of trauma and psychosocial problems were found among Sudanese refugees in Uganda.

Authors & Co-authors:  Peltzer K K

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  1
Identifiers
Doi : 
SSN : 0008-9176
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Adolescent
Other Terms
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Uganda
Publication Country
Zimbabwe