Psychosocial Problems of War-Affected Youth in Northern Uganda: A Qualitative Study
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Date
2009
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Transcultural psychiatry
Abstract
Multiple studies have found that children from a variety of cultures who have been affected by war
are at increased risk for a range of psychosocial problems. However, most studies are based on
Western concepts and assume that these are locally applicable. Very few have investigated how
psychosocial problems are perceived by the affected communities, families and the young people
themselves. Understanding local perceptions is important to ensuring that local priorities are
addressed, and addressed in ways that are likely to be acceptable and effective. In this study we used
a previously developed rapid ethnographic assessment method to explore local perceptions of
psychosocial problems among issues among children and adults from the Acholi ethnic group that
have been displaced by the war in northern Uganda. We conducted 45 free list interviews (N= 30
10-17 year olds, N=15 adults) and 57 key informant interviews (N=32 10-17 year olds, N=25 adults)
Our purpose was twofold: 1) To test whether this rapid ethnographic assessment approach previously
used among adults would be suitable for use with children; and 2) To use this approach to understand
the psychosocial problems affecting local children from their own viewpoint and that of their
caretakers, in order to inform subsequent assessment and intervention efforts by organizations serving
this population. The rapid assessment approach appears to have worked well for interviewing
caretakers and children aged 10-17 years. Several locally defined syndromes were described: two
tam/par/kumu (depression and dysthymia-like syndromes), ma lwor (an anxiety-like syndrome), and
a category of conduct problems referred to as kwo maraco/gin lugero. The descriptions of these local
syndromes are similar to Western mood, anxiety and conduct disorders, but contain some culturespecific
elements.
Description
Keywords
War, Children and adolescents, Northern Uganda, Mental health, Qualitative research
Citation
Betancourt, T. S., Speelman, L., Onyango, G., & Bolton, P. (2009). Psychosocial problems of war-affected youth in Northern Uganda: A qualitative study. Transcultural psychiatry, 46(2), 238. doi:10.1177/1363461509105815