Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
J Biosoc Sci. 1 November 2005; Volume 37 (Issue 6); DOI:10.1017/S002193200400700X
Singh K, Karunakara U, Burnham G, Hill K
J Biosoc Sci. 1 November 2005; Volume 37 (Issue 6); DOI:10.1017/S002193200400700X
Despite the large numbers of displaced persons and the often-lengthy periods of displacement, little is known about the impact of forced migration on long-term under-five mortality. This paper looks at the Brass Method (and adaptations of this method) and the Preceding Birth Technique in combination with a classification of women by their migration and reproductive histories, in order to study the impact of forced migration on under-five mortality. Data came from the Demography of Forced Migration Project, a study on mortality, fertility and violence in the refugee and host populations of Arua District, Uganda and Yei River District, Sudan. Results indicate that women who did not migrate in a situation of conflict and women who repatriated before the age of 15, had children with the highest under-five mortality rates compared with women who were currently refugees and women who repatriated after the age of 15.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Afr Health Sci. 1 August 2004; Volume 4 (Issue 2); 83-93.
Karunakara U, Neuner F, Schauer M, Hill K, Elbert T
Afr Health Sci. 1 August 2004; Volume 4 (Issue 2); 83-93.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the incidence of traumatic events and its association with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in three population groups in northern Uganda and southern Sudan. Methods: Household and individual level data collected through a single-round cross-sectional demographic survey.
SETTING
The sub-counties of Yivu, Odupi and Midia in the northern Ugandan district of Arua and of Otogo in Yei River district in southern Sudan.
PARTICIPANTS
Residents of these Ugandan and Sudanese sub-counties were categorized on the basis of citizenship and refugee status (i.e. as Ugandan nationals, Sudanese nationals or Sudanese refugees). The random sample population consisted of 3,323 adults (mean age: 30 years; 75% female) from 1,831 national and refugee households. Results: Sudanese refugees reported the highest number of violent events experienced or witnessed ever and in the past one year . Witnessing of traumatic events, ever and in the past year , significantly predicted PTSD in surveyed population. Sex, age, education and occupation were also significantly associated with the development of PTSD symptoms. The population prevalence of PTSD was estimated to be 48% for Sudanese stayees, 46% for Sudanese refugees and 18% for Ugandan nationals.
CONCLUSIONS
Symptoms of PTSD in war-affected Sudanese populations can be partly explained by traumatic event exposures. The high prevalence of violence and symptoms of PTSD in refugee populations highlight the need for better protection and security in refugee settlements. Humanitarian agencies must consider the provision of mental health services for populations affected by war and forced migration.
To compare the incidence of traumatic events and its association with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in three population groups in northern Uganda and southern Sudan. Methods: Household and individual level data collected through a single-round cross-sectional demographic survey.
SETTING
The sub-counties of Yivu, Odupi and Midia in the northern Ugandan district of Arua and of Otogo in Yei River district in southern Sudan.
PARTICIPANTS
Residents of these Ugandan and Sudanese sub-counties were categorized on the basis of citizenship and refugee status (i.e. as Ugandan nationals, Sudanese nationals or Sudanese refugees). The random sample population consisted of 3,323 adults (mean age: 30 years; 75% female) from 1,831 national and refugee households. Results: Sudanese refugees reported the highest number of violent events experienced or witnessed ever and in the past one year . Witnessing of traumatic events, ever and in the past year , significantly predicted PTSD in surveyed population. Sex, age, education and occupation were also significantly associated with the development of PTSD symptoms. The population prevalence of PTSD was estimated to be 48% for Sudanese stayees, 46% for Sudanese refugees and 18% for Ugandan nationals.
CONCLUSIONS
Symptoms of PTSD in war-affected Sudanese populations can be partly explained by traumatic event exposures. The high prevalence of violence and symptoms of PTSD in refugee populations highlight the need for better protection and security in refugee settlements. Humanitarian agencies must consider the provision of mental health services for populations affected by war and forced migration.