The impact of polyvictimisation on children in LMICs: the case of Jamaica

Abstract

Children who experience polyvictimization in high-income countries (HICs) are at higher risk for mental health-related trauma symptoms. There is limited information on the impact of polyvictimisation on children with high levels of exposure, as occurs in some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study investigates the impact of poyvictimization on Jamaican children’s intellectual functioning, achievement, and disruptive behaviors. Data from a geographical subgroup (n = 1171) of a 1986 population based birth cohort study were utilised. At age 11–12 years, the sub-group completed questionnaires on exposure to violence at school, at home and in their communities, and tests of academic and intellectual functioning. Their parents completed questionnaires on family resources (socioeconomic status) and children’s behaviour. Findings from Structural Equational Modelling indicated that for both genders, exposure to polyvictimisation had a direct negative effect on intellectual functioning, and an indirect negative effect on achievement mediated through intellectual functioning. For boys, polyvictimisation had a direct negative effect on behavioural risk. Family resources was negatively associated with exposure to polyvictimisation. In Jamaica, a LMIC country with high levels of polyvictimisation, there is a significant negative effect of polyvictimisation on children. The secondary- and tertiary-level interventions to address these effects are costly to LMICs with limited financial resources. Prevention of exposure to violence in all its forms is therefore the recommended approach to reduce violence-related morbidity.