Mental health of adolescents and young people victims of forced displacement in Colombia

Abstract

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21615/cesp.12.3.1 Exposure to vulnerable and violent events, such as forced displacement, generate several adverse effects on the mental health of victim population. The objective of this study is to describe the current mental health condition and some associated sociodemographic and environmental factors in 471 adolescents and young people between 13 and 28 years of age, who have been victims of forced displacement in three Colombian cities. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) interview, CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interview) version was administered; an ad hoc questionnaire on aspects of forced displacement and the consumption of psychoactive substances; the APGAR family function scale and the MOS (Medical Outcomes Study) scale of social support. It was found a prevalence of any mental disorder in the last years of 24.4% and any substance use disorder of 4.7%. The most prevalent disorders were specific phobia (6.8%), post-traumatic stress disorder (5.7%) and major depressive disorder (5.1%). Dependence on marijuana was found at 2.1% and alcohol abuse at 1.9%. 14.6% of adolescents and young victims of forced displacement have considered committing suicide at some point along their lives. Being a minor- age man, with a functional family and adequate social support, were protective factors from mental disorders.