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Haas SA, Ramirez D. Early-Life Exposure to War and Later-Life Physical Functional Health. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2024; 79:gbae029. [PMID: 38466645 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbae029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A growing body of research shows that early-life exposure to war has adverse effects on later-life health. Research has emphasized the importance of exposure timing implicating domain-specific developmental processes and associated critical/sensitive periods. This study looks at the impacts of early childhood war exposure and the repercussions for later-life physical and functional health, with a focus on time of exposure as a source of variability. METHODS We use residential histories from the Survey of Health Ageing, and Retirement in Europe linked to external data on the location and timing of hostilities to examine the impact of early-life exposure to World War II on later-life physical and functional health. RESULTS Exposure to war increases the risk of objective (grip strength, chair rise, and peak expiratory flow) and self-reported (mobility limitations and activities of daily living) measures of functional health. Effects are especially pronounced for those born during the war and for those with more prolonged exposures. There is little evidence that the impact of war is mediated by war-related hardships, socioeconomic conditions, health behaviors, or adult chronic disease. DISCUSSION Our results suggest early-life exposure to war has a lasting impact on physical functional health. Exposure appears to largely operate via direct effects, indicative of altered initial development of physical capacity in early life. Because exposure was so pervasive among some cohorts of older individuals, understanding the health of present older European populations requires wrestling with the residual consequences of wartime exposure at the start of their lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Haas
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Population Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel Ramirez
- El Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Krauss SW, Zust J, Frankfurt S, Kumparatana P, Riviere LA, Hocut J, Sowden WJ, Adler AB. Distinguishing the Effects of Life Threat, Killing Enemy Combatants, and Unjust War Events in U.S. Service Members. J Trauma Stress 2021; 34:357-366. [PMID: 33301629 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Although previous studies have identified behavioral health risks associated with combat exposure, it is unclear which types of combat events are associated with these risks, particularly regarding contrasts among the risks associated with life-threatening experiences, killing combatants, and exposure to unjust war events, such as killing a noncombatant or being unable to help civilian women and children. In the present study, we examined surveys from 402 soldiers following deployment (i.e., baseline) and again 13 months later (i.e., Year 1). Regression analyses were conducted across a range of behavioral health (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, suicide ideation, anxiety, somatic, insomnia, aggression) and benefit-finding measures, each controlling for two combat event categories while assessing the predictive utility of a third. The results suggested that life-threatening events were associated with poor behavioral health at baseline, relative risk (RR) = 10.00, but not at Year 1, RR = 2.67. At both baseline and Year 1, killing enemy combatants was not associated with behavioral health, RRs = 1.67-3.33, but was positively associated with benefit-finding, RRs = 26.67-40.00. Exposure to unjust war events was associated with a transdiagnostic pattern of behavioral health symptoms at baseline, RR = 40.00, and Year 1, RR = 23.33. Overall, the results suggest unjust war event exposure is particularly injurious, above and beyond exposure to other combat-related events. Future research can build on these findings to develop clearer descriptions of the combat events that might place service members at risk for moral injury and inform the development of assessment and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen W Krauss
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Jeffrey Zust
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sheila Frankfurt
- VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Waco, Texas, USA
- Central Texas VA Healthcare System, Temple, Texas, USA
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Pam Kumparatana
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Lyndon A Riviere
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Joy Hocut
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Walter J Sowden
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
- Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Amy B Adler
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
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LeardMann CA, Matsuno RK, Boyko EJ, Powell TM, Reger MA, Hoge CW. Association of Combat Experiences With Suicide Attempts Among Active-Duty US Service Members. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2036065. [PMID: 33528551 PMCID: PMC7856539 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.36065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance There is uncertainty about the role that military deployment experiences play in suicide-related outcomes. Most previous research has defined combat experiences broadly, and a limited number of cross-sectional studies have examined the association between specific combat exposure (eg, killing) and suicide-related outcomes. Objective To prospectively examine combat exposures associated with suicide attempts among active-duty US service members while accounting for demographic, military-specific, and mental health factors. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study analyzed data from the Millennium Cohort Study, an ongoing prospective longitudinal study of US service members from all military branches. Participants were enrolled in 4 phases from July 1, 2001, to April 4, 2013, and completed a self-administered survey at enrollment and every 3 to 5 years thereafter. The population for the present study was restricted to active-duty service members from the first 4 enrollment phases who deployed in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Questionnaire data were linked with medical encounter data through September 30, 2015. Data analyses were conducted from January 10, 2017, to December 14, 2020. Exposures Combat exposure was examined in 3 ways (any combat experience, overall combat severity, and 13 individual combat experiences) using a 13-item self-reported combat measure. Main Outcomes and Measures Suicide attempts were identified from military electronic hospitalization and ambulatory medical encounter data using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Results Among 57 841 participants, 44 062 were men (76.2%) and 42 095 were non-Hispanic White individuals (72.8%), and the mean (SD) age was 26.9 (5.3) years. During a mean (SD) follow-up period of 5.6 (4.0) years, 235 participants had a suicide attempt (0.4%). Combat exposure, defined broadly, was not associated with suicide attempts in Cox proportional hazards time-to-event regression models after adjustments for demographic and military-specific factors; high combat severity and certain individual combat experiences were associated with an increased risk for suicide attempts. However, these associations were mostly accounted for by mental disorders, especially posttraumatic stress disorder. After adjustment for mental disorders, combat experiences with significant association with suicide attempts included being attacked or ambushed (hazard ratio [HR], 1.55; 95% CI, 1.16-2.06), seeing dead bodies or human remains (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.01-1.78), and being directly responsible for the death of a noncombatant (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.04-3.16). Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that deployed service members who experience high levels of combat or are exposed to certain types of combat experiences (involving unexpected events or those that challenge moral or ethical norms) may be at an increased risk of a suicide attempt, either directly or mediated through a mental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A. LeardMann
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
- Leidos, San Diego, California
| | - Rayna K. Matsuno
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
- Leidos, San Diego, California
| | - Edward J. Boyko
- Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Teresa M. Powell
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
- Leidos, San Diego, California
| | - Mark A. Reger
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Charles W. Hoge
- Center for Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Psychiatry Division, Office of the Army Surgeon General, Falls Church, Virginia
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Amini H, Solaymani-Dodaran M, Mousavi B, Alam Beladi SN, Soroush MR, Abolghasemi J, Vahedian-Azimi A, Salesi M, Guest PC, Sahebkar A, Ghanei M. Long-term Health Outcomes Among Survivors Exposed to Sulfur Mustard in Iran. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2028894. [PMID: 33301016 PMCID: PMC7729433 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.28894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The prevalence and severity of long-term health complications after exposure to sulfur mustard are unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate the long-term health outcomes among survivors exposed to sulfur mustard during the Iran-Iraq War. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this retrospective cohort study, late-onset health complications of 64 190 Iranian survivors exposed to sulfur mustard during the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988 were investigated using descriptive statistics. Data involving affected organs and symptom severity were extracted from the Veterans and Martyr Affair Foundation (VMAF) database from 1980 to 2019. Assessments were conducted across 3 groups depending on whether survivors were (1) evacuated and admitted (EA) to a hospital; (2) not evacuated or admitted (NEA) to a hospital; or (3) evacuation or admission status was not documented. EXPOSURES Analysis of chronic symptom severity following exposure to sulfur mustard. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Mild, moderate, or severe rankings of symptoms in lungs, eyes, and skin of survivors exposed to sulfur mustard using data from the VMAF database. RESULTS Of 64 190 chemical survivors registered in the VMAF database, 60 861 met the inclusion criteria. Of the included survivors, 98.0% were male, and the mean (SD) age was 23.5 (7.7) years. Most survivors (53 675 [88.2%]) had no symptoms or mild lesions, and 7186 survivors (11.8%) had moderate or severe complications. Moderate to severe lung (6540 [10.7%]), eye (335 [0.6%]), or skin (725 [1.2%]) injuries were documented in the exposed population. The proportion of moderate plus severe late complications in eyes was 3 times as high in male survivors compared with female survivors (0.6% [95% CI, 0.53%-0.65%] vs 0.2% [95% CI, 0.09%-0.73%]; P < .001), whereas dermal complications were significantly more common in female survivors (3.9% [95% CI, 2.92%-5.11%] vs 1.14% [95% CI, 1.06%-1.23%]; P < .001). Mild lung lesions were more prevalent in the NEA group than in the EA group (73.9% [95% CI, 73.4%-74.4%] vs 11.0% [95% CI, 10.6%-11.3%]; P < .001). In the NEA group, 83.2% (n = 23 866) developed lung injuries that were mostly mild or moderate, whereas 77% (n = 24 766) of the EA group did not develop lung injuries (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The present study found sex differences in the frequencies of eye and skin complications following sulfur mustard exposure, and lung complications were more prevalent years after sulfur mustard exposure than soon after exposure. Mild lung lesions were observed more frequently among sulfur mustard-exposed survivors who had not been evacuated or hospitalized than among those who had been evacuated or hospitalized. These differences may be due to physiological response or dose of exposure. Close monitoring over an extended period may be required for detection of late pulmonary complications in individuals exposed to sulfur mustard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Amini
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Solaymani-Dodaran
- Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Rasoul Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Batool Mousavi
- Prevention Department, Janbazan Medical and Engineering Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Reza Soroush
- Prevention Department, Janbazan Medical and Engineering Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jamileh Abolghasemi
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Vahedian-Azimi
- Trauma Research Center, Nursing Faculty, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Salesi
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paul C. Guest
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | - Mostafa Ghanei
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Krefft SD, Wolff J, Zell-Baran L, Strand M, Gottschall EB, Meehan R, Rose CS. Respiratory Diseases in Post-9/11 Military Personnel Following Southwest Asia Deployment. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 62:337-343. [PMID: 31977922 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Persistent respiratory symptoms following post-9/11 military deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan are well-recognized, but the spectrum of respiratory diseases remains poorly characterized. This study describes deployment-related respiratory diseases and the diagnostic utility of resting and exercise pulmonary function testing. METHODS Between 2009 and 2017, 127 consecutive military workers ("deployers") with new-onset respiratory symptoms underwent clinical evaluation. Deployment-related respiratory diseases were classified as proximal and/or distal. Using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, we analyzed lung function parameters associated with deployment-related distal lung disease (DDLD). RESULTS Common deployment-related respiratory diseases included asthma (31.5%), intermittent laryngeal obstruction (14.2%), rhinosinusitis (15%), and DDLD (68.5%). Decreased diffusion capacity (odds ratio [OR] = 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4 to 15.1, P = 0.01) was significantly associated with DDLD. CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive diagnostic approach may identify a spectrum of proximal and distal respiratory diseases that can occur in symptomatic post-9/11 deployers, requiring a personalized approach to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silpa D Krefft
- National Jewish Health, Denver (Dr Krefft, Ms Wolff, Ms Zell-Baran, Dr Strand, Dr Gottschall, Dr Meehan, Dr Rose); Veterans Administration Eastern Colorado Health Care System (Dr Krefft); University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (Dr Krefft, Dr Rose); Colorado School of Public Health (Dr Krefft, Ms Zell-Baran, Dr Strand, Dr Rose); University of Colorado (Dr Gottschall, Dr Meehan), Aurora, Colorado
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Korinek K, Teerawichitchainan B, Zimmer Z, Brindle E, Nguyen TKC, Nguyen HM, Tran KT. Design and measurement in a study of war exposure, health, and aging: protocol for the Vietnam health and aging study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1351. [PMID: 31646987 PMCID: PMC6806496 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7680-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survivors of war throughout the world experience illnesses and injuries that are crucial to understand, given the ongoing treatment and adaptation they demand. In developing countries like Vietnam, where population aging and chronic disease burdens are rapidly rising, aging populations have seen a disproportionate share of armed conflict and related casualties. This paper describes the Vietnam Health and Aging Study (VHAS), a unique resource for investigating mechanisms of association between diverse exposures to armed conflict during the Vietnam War and multiple dimensions of older adult health among survivors of that war. METHODS The VHAS utilizes a longitudinal design, the first wave of data collection conducted in 2018 among 2447 older adults. A second wave of follow-up data collection, scheduled to take place in 2021, will examine life course, social relational and health and mortality transitions. The VHAS was conducted in four northern Vietnamese districts purposively selected to represent a spectrum of war exposure as indicated by intensity of bombings. Additionally, VHAS uses random sampling within gender and military service subdomains to permit unique gender-specific analyses of military service, trauma exposure and health. The VHAS' face-to-face interviews include modules detailing war and military service experiences; warzone stressors; and multiple dimensions of health such as chronic disease, functional limitation, disability, health behaviors, cognition and psychological health. Biomarker data collected for the full VHAS sample includes anthropometric and functional tests such as grip strength and blood pressure, hair samples for cortisol assay, and capillary blood samples to assay C-reactive protein, cholesterol, HbA1c, and other markers of interest for cardiovascular and other disease risks and for testing the impact of early life stressors on later life health. Blood samples will also permit epigenetic analysis of biological aging. DISCUSSION Future VHAS investigations will examine dynamic linkages between war exposure, mortality and morbidity, while taking into account the selective nature of each of these processes. Longitudinal analyses will examine late-life health transitions and war-related resiliency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Korinek
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, 380 S 1530 E, Room 301, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Huu Minh Nguyen
- Vietnam Institute for Family and Gender Studies, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Veronese G, Pepe A, Jaradah A, Murannak F, Hamdouna H. "We must cooperate with one another against the Enemy": Agency and activism in school-aged children as protective factors against ongoing war trauma and political violence in the Gaza Strip. Child Abuse Negl 2017; 70:364-376. [PMID: 28743067 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This exploratory qualitative study investigated self-perceived risk and protection factors that may reinforce the ability of children living in refugee camps on the Gaza Strip to adjust to a traumatic and risky life context characterized by loss and dispossession. The sample comprised 200 Palestinian children recruited at primary schools in four refugee camps in the Gaza Strip following the Israeli military operation "Pillar of Defence" in 2012. Thematic content analysis was applied to written materials and narratives produced by the children. Environment, friends, emotions, family, play, self, sociality, health, school, and spirituality were the dimensions that emerged from the narrative texts. Palestinian children's psychological adaptability and ability to reposition themselves along the continuum between ease and disease is underpinned by constant political agency and activism - a dimension that guides sense-making activities in a traumatizing environment marked by continuous uncertainty, loss and bereavement. We therefore recommend a politically-informed focus, both when assessing children and when designing intervention for them in contexts of chronic political violence and war.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alaa Jaradah
- Remedial Education Center, Gaza Strip, Occupied Palestinian Territory
| | - Feda Murannak
- Remedial Education Center, Gaza Strip, Occupied Palestinian Territory
| | - Housam Hamdouna
- Remedial Education Center, Gaza Strip, Occupied Palestinian Territory
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Silove DM, Tay AK, Steel Z, Tam N, Soares Z, Soares C, Dos Reis N, Alves A, Rees S. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, severe psychological distress, explosive anger and grief amongst partners of survivors of high levels of trauma in post-conflict Timor-Leste. Psychol Med 2017; 47:149-159. [PMID: 27682000 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716002233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the mental health of partners of survivors of high levels of trauma in post-conflict countries. METHOD We studied 677 spouse dyads (n = 1354) drawn from a community survey (response 82.4%) in post-conflict Timor-Leste. We used culturally adapted measures of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological distress, explosive anger and grief. RESULTS Latent class analysis identified three classes of couples: class 1, comprising women with higher trauma events (TEs), men with intermediate TEs (19%); class 2, including men with higher TEs, women with lower TEs (23%); and class 3, comprising couples in which men and women had lower TE exposure (58%) (the reference group). Men and women partners of survivors of higher TE exposure (classes 1 and 2) had increased symptoms of explosive anger and grief compared with the reference class (class 3). Women partners of survivors of higher TE exposure (class 2) had a 20-fold increased rate of PTSD symptoms compared with the reference class, a pattern that was not evident for men living with women exposed to higher levels of trauma (class 1). CONCLUSIONS Men and women living with survivors of higher levels of trauma showed an increase in symptoms of grief and explosive anger. The manifold higher rate of PTSD symptoms amongst women living with men exposed to high levels of trauma requires replication. It is important to assess the mental health of partners when treating survivors of high levels of trauma in post-conflict settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Silove
- Academic Mental Health Unit and Ingham Institute,University of New South Wales and South Western Sydney Local Health District,Level 2, Mental Health Centre,Liverpool Hospital,Sydney, NSW 2170,Australia
| | - A K Tay
- Academic Mental Health Unit and Ingham Institute,University of New South Wales and South Western Sydney Local Health District,Level 2, Mental Health Centre,Liverpool Hospital,Sydney, NSW 2170,Australia
| | - Z Steel
- St John of God Richmond Hospital,School of Psychiatry,University of New South Wales,North Richmond,NSW 2754,Australia
| | - N Tam
- Academic Mental Health Unit and Ingham Institute,University of New South Wales and South Western Sydney Local Health District,Level 2, Mental Health Centre,Liverpool Hospital,Sydney, NSW 2170,Australia
| | - Z Soares
- Alola Foundation,Dili, Timor-Leste
| | - C Soares
- Alola Foundation,Dili, Timor-Leste
| | | | - A Alves
- Alola Foundation,Dili, Timor-Leste
| | - S Rees
- Academic Mental Health Unit and Ingham Institute,University of New South Wales and South Western Sydney Local Health District,Level 2, Mental Health Centre,Liverpool Hospital,Sydney, NSW 2170,Australia
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Mugisha J, Muyinda H, Kagee A, Wandiembe P, Mpugu SK, Vancampfort D, Kinyanda E. Prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt: associations with psychiatric disorders and HIV/AIDS in post-conflict Northern Uganda. Afr Health Sci 2016; 16:1027-1035. [PMID: 28479896 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v16i4.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the prevalence of suicidal ideation, attempt, and cormorbid psychiatric disorders in post-conflict areas is still limited. AIM We explored the prevalence of suicidal ideation, attempt, associated psychiatric disorders and HIV/AIDS in post-conflict Northern Uganda, an area that experienced civil strife for over two decades. METHODS A total of 2400 respondents (aged 18 and above) and randomly selected in three districts (Gulu, Amuru and Nwoya), were interviewed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess for associations between suicidality (suicidal ideation and attempt) and psychiatric cormorbidities. RESULTS The prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt were 12.1 % and 6.2 % respectively. Suicidality was significantly (P<0.001) higher among respondents with major depressive disorder (adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) = 9.5; 95%CI= 7.4, 12.1) and post-traumatic stress disorder (adjusted OR =2.4; 95%CI= 1.6, 3.6). Men had lower odds of ideating or attempting suicide compared to women (adjusted OR = 0.55; 95%CI: 0.38, 0.82). CONCLUSION The prevalence rate of suicide ideation and attempt indicate a major public health problem in post-conflict Northern Uganda. Effective public mental health programs that that target both suicidality and psychiatric co-morbodities will be vital. Special attention should be given to women in post conflict Northern Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Mugisha
- Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University, Child Health and Development Centre, School of Medicine, Mulago Hill, Kampala, Uganda
- Stellenbosch University, Department of Psychology, South Africa
| | - Herbert Muyinda
- Makerere University, Child Health and Development Centre, School of Medicine, Mulago Hill, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ashraf Kagee
- Stellenbosch University, Department of Psychology, South Africa
| | - Peter Wandiembe
- Department of Statistical Methods, Makerere University, COBAMS, Makerere Hill, Kampala Uganda
| | - Stephen Kiwuwa Mpugu
- Makerere University, Child Health and Development Centre, School of Medicine, Mulago Hill, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Davy Vancampfort
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- University Psychiatric Centre University of Leuven, Kortenberg, Belgium
| | - Eugene Kinyanda
- MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda/MRC-DFID African Leadership Award, 50-59 Nakiwogo Street, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences Makerere Hill, Kampala, Uganda
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Greenberg
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony Bull
- Royal British Legion Centre for Blast Injury Studies, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Wessely
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, King's College London
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Ayazi T, Swartz L, Eide AH, Lien L, Hauff E. Psychotic-like experiences in a conflict-affected population: a cross-sectional study in South Sudan. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2016; 51:971-9. [PMID: 27236268 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-016-1243-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigates the prevalence of psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and examines exposure to potentially traumatic events and other relevant risk factors for PLEs in the general population of a conflict-affected, low-income country. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional community based study of four Greater Bahr el Ghazal States, South Sudan (n = 1200). The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire was applied to investigate exposure to potentially traumatic events. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to detect PLEs. RESULTS The estimated prevalence of lifetime PLEs was 23.3 % and the rate of PLEs which were evaluated as bizarre was 9.5 %. Exposure to higher number of potentially traumatic events, younger age, rural residency, being unemployed, not having a regular income and having traditional religion were significantly associated with having PLEs. PLEs were significantly associated with reporting of psychological distress when controlling for other covariates. CONCLUSIONS The finding of association between traumatic exposure and PLEs calls for greater attention to the diversity of negative mental health outcomes in conflict-affected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Touraj Ayazi
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O box 1171, Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Leslie Swartz
- Department of Psychology, Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Stellenbosch University Private, Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - Arne H Eide
- SINTEF Technology and Society, P.O. Box 124, Blindern, 0314, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Lien
- National Center for Dual Diagnosis, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Furnesvegen 26, 2380, Brumunddal, Norway
- Faculty of public health, Hedmark University College, P.O.Box 400, 2418, Elverum, Norway
| | - Edvard Hauff
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O box 1171, Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Department of Research and Development, Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval Kirkeveien 166, Building 20, 0407, Oslo, Norway
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Al-Shammari AM. Environmental pollutions associated to conflicts in Iraq and related health problems. Rev Environ Health 2016; 31:245-250. [PMID: 26512425 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2015-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Several wars and a 13-year embargo as well as several years of civil war with the recent war on terrorism have cumulatively damaged Iraq's land, air, water, and health infrastructure. The sand particles in Iraq contain toxic substances, which dates back to the pollution caused by military actions that disassemble the desert sands and turn it into light dust. This dust reaches cities as dust storms that effect most Iraqi cities. The presence of depleted uranium (DU) in the Iraqi food chain is documented by measuring the uranium in animals organs in different Iraqi cities with the highest concentration in the south of Iraq. One of the major sites of pollution in Iraq is the Al-twaitha nuclear research site. The nuclear research reactors were destroyed in the 1991 Gulf War. Barrels containing radioactive materials and sources were stolen from the site in the 2003 war. This resulted in considerable radioactive pollution at the site and in its surrounding areas. Soil sample have been found to be contaminated by Cs-137and Co-60. Cancer and birth defects are most associated with the environmental pollution caused by the conflicts. All studies related to this by Iraqi researchers are discussed in this review. From studying the Iraqi scientific publications, we can conclude that Basrah, Baghdad, Faluja, Mosul and Thi-Qar are the most effected cities in Iraq. This review concludes that the presence of a heavily contaminated environment with war related pollutants in most of the Iraqi cities needs much attention and huge effort to reduce the related health problems.
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