Abstract
ABSTRACT During the long-lasting civil war in Colombia, thousands of people were displaced mainly from rural to urban areas, causing social disruption and prolonged poverty. This study aimed at analyzing the traumatic experience many years ago on the current psycho-emotional status of displaced families as well as the ongoing inequalities regarding displaced and non-displaced communities in one of the most affected areas by the armed conflict. An interview survey was conducted among 211 displaced families and 181 non-displaced families in 2 adjacent compounds in Valledupar, Colombia. The questionnaire used questions from the validated national survey and was revised and applied by staff members of the departmental secretary of health who conducted additional in-depth interviews. The study showed that the living conditions of the displaced community were precarious. The past traumatic events many years ago and the current difficult living conditions are associated with psychological problems being more frequent among the displaced people. The displaced people had experienced more violent acts and subsequently had a larger number of emotional symptoms (fright, headache, nervousness, depression, and sleeplessness). Other stress factors like economic problems, severe disease or death of family members and unemployment prevailed among displaced persons. The non-displaced lived in a more protected environment with less exposure to violence and stress, although belonging to a similarly low socio-economic stratum. It is recommended to take measures for a better protection of the displaced community, improve their access to the job market, offer different leisure activities and facilitate public transport.
Highlights
During the long-lasting civil war in Colombia, the year 2002 marked a peak of violent activities displacing thousands of people mainly from rural to urban areas, causing social disruption and prolonged poverty
Forced displacement associated with conflicts seems to have a profound health and social impact on internally displaced persons (IDPs) [2,3], including acute and long-terms effects on mental health [4]
In the displaced community, 9.6% (81) did not comply with the definition of displacement and in the non-displaced community, 12.4% (91) of families were displaced according to the registration with RUV (Central Colombian Register for Victims)
Summary
During the long-lasting civil war in Colombia, the year 2002 marked a peak of violent activities displacing thousands of people mainly from rural to urban areas, causing social disruption and prolonged poverty. The here presented study aimed at analysing the traumatic experience many years ago on the current psycho-emotional status of displaced families as well as the ongoing inequalities regarding displaced and non-displaced populations in one of the most affected areas by the armed conflict. Forced displacement associated with conflicts seems to have a profound health and social impact on internally displaced persons (IDPs) [2,3], including acute and long-terms effects on mental health [4]. Many forced IDPs lack legal status and psychosocial protection as they are not covered by international refugee laws. They are displaced within nation boundaries where are commonly marginalized [5]. Little attention has been paid to their mental health and well-being, and their needs are poorly supported by relief agencies [10]
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