Impact of war on children mental health in Sudan 2024 A proposal submitted In partial fulfillment of the academic requi rement for the degree of MBBS
Impact of war on children mental health in Sudan 2024 A proposal submitted In partial fulfillment of the academic requi rement for the degree of MBBS
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Date
2024
Authors
Fatima Mahgoub Eltaher Adlan
Shahd JahallahAdam Alzaky
Wisal Mustafa Ibrahim Mohamed
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Publisher
Napata College
Abstract
This study was conducted in conflict-affected areas of Sudan, including regions with
high levels of violence and displacement. Communities and refugee camps were
selected based on accessibility and representation of diverse socio-economic
backgrounds. The study sample included children aged 5 to 18 years residing in
conflict-affected areas of Sudan, including internally displaced children and those
living in host communities, in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the
impact of war on children’s mental health.Variables Under Study:
Dependent Variables: Prevalence and severity of mental health disorders (post
traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety) in children.- Independent Variables:
Exposure to violence and displacement status.- Confounding Variables: Age, gender,
ethnicity, and previous trauma exposure.- Background Variables: Educational
attainment, family structure, and access to healthcare services.
Results:A total of 100 displaced individuals from various residential areas across Sudan
were interviewed, with a focus on the northern and eastern provinces of the country.
63% of participants were male, and 37% were female. Most participants (42%) were
aged between 13 and 15 years, 24% were between 10 and 12 years, 23% were between
6 and 9 years, and 11% were between 16 and 18 years. Among the participants, 38%
had been displaced for less than one year, 27% had been displaced for between one and
two years, and 35% had been internally displaced for more than two years.
Mental Health Assessment:When asked, "How often do you feel sad or depressed?"
17% of participants responded "always," 27% said "often," 30% said "sometimes," 21%
said "rarely," and 5% said "never."
Regarding sleep difficulties, 22% of participants reported experiencing them "always,"
39% said "often," 33% said "sometimes," and 6% said "rarely."
When we asked, "How often do you feel anxious or fearful?" 15% said "always," 62%
said "often," 18% said "sometimes," 3% said "rarely," and 2% said "never."
When asked if they had trouble concentrating, 17% of participants said "always," 28%
said "often," 39% said "sometimes," 11% said "rarely," and 8% said "never."
We also asked participants if they suffered from physical ailments (such as stomach
pain and headaches) associated with psychological disorders (like depression and
PTSD). 4% said "always," 71% said "often," 17% said "sometimes," and 8% said
"rarely."
Next, we asked participants directly how often they felt safe in their new settlement.
57% said "sometimes," 23% said "rarely," and 20% said "never."
VII
We asked participants whether they had been given access to age-appropriate activities
(such as games, competitive sports, etc.). 24% said "yes," and 76% said "no."
When asked about their optimism for the future, 3% said they always feel hopeful, 9%
said they often feel hopeful, 27% said they sometimes feel hopeful, 54% said they rarely
feel hopeful, and 7% said they never feel hopeful
We then asked participants to list all the challenges they face as displaced individuals
(they could select more than one option). 51% mentioned food shortages, 79%
mentioned lack of access to clean drinking water, 82% mentioned lack of access to
education, 97% mentioned safety concerns, 47% mentioned separation from family,
and 68% mentioned poor health conditions.
Finally, we asked participants how often they find themselves feeling angry or
frustrated. 23% said "always," 42% said "often," 26% said "sometimes," 7% said
"rarely," and 2% said they never feel angry or frustrated.
We also asked participants if they had witnessed acts of violence. 96% said they had,
and 4% had not directly witnessed violence. We then asked participants how often they
think about the events they witnessed. 20.8% said "always," 22.9% said "often," 38.5%
said "sometimes," 7.3% said "rarely," and 5.2% said "never."
Correlations:Our survey indicators of mental health disorders (such as PTSD and/or
depression) included: 1) how often participants felt sad and its correlation with: a)
exposure to violence, and b) duration of displacement. It was found that feelings of
sadness among participants were significantly related to both exposure to violence and
increased duration of displacement. The study showed a high prevalence of mental
health disorders among participants. This is significant as it reinforces the idea that war
impacts not only the physical and mental health of adults but also the health of children.
Recommendations:
1. Increase the availability of mental health services for war-displaced individuals.
2. Enhance efforts towards global peace.
3. Increase research efforts towards better preventive options.
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Napata College