A study on post war stress among elderly Internally displaced persons

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Three decades of conflict in the north and east of Sri Lanka culminated in 2009 with many people from the Wanni region being displaced and having suffered mental agony as well as physical injury. The elderly are particularly vulnerable in war situations and can suffer psychological trauma. The objective of our study was to determine the psychological effects of war among these elderly persons. METHODS: A cross sectional pilot study was conducted among elderly internally displaced persons (IDPs) (>60years) residing in elderly homes in Pattim and Thirukeswaran and Salampan and Anthoniapuram villages. Participants were initially assessed with MMSE to determine the capacity to give consent and participate in the study. Those with a MMSE score less than 20 were excluded from the study. Trained counsellors from the Mental Health Unit - Mannar, administered the Tamil validated PSSR-17 and K-10 to assess psychological impairment. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients were assessed (Females-24, Males-33. elderly homes-21, resettled villages-36). Nearly half (48%) of the sample screened positive for PTSD and 25% screened positive for depression. There was no significant difference detected in females and males in prevalence in PTSD or depression. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly IDPs appear to have PTSD symptoms and higher prevalence of depression when compared to the normal population. Post - war health services will have to address these psychological issues.