Abstract

HERRERA-LOPEZ, Vanessa  and  CRUZADO, Lizardo. Post-traumatic stress disorder and co-morbidity among victims of political violence in a rural community of Huancavelica, Peru. 2013. Rev Neuropsiquiatr [online]. 2014, vol.77, n.3, pp.144-159. ISSN 0034-8597.

Between 1980 and 2000, our country experienced one of the bloodiest conflicts in its history. The department of Huancavelica, extreme poverty area of Peru, was one of the main sites affected. Objectives: To determine the sociodemographic characteristics, prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), comorbidity, and associated factors in victims of political violence in the rural community of Cuñi, in the department of Huancavelica. Methods: An observational, cross-section design was used. One hundred and twenty one community residents were selected , aged 18, who lived at the site during the period of political violence. The representative sample was selected by multistage random sampling clusters. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) questionnaire adapted by the National Institute of Mental Health of Peru (INSM) was used to assess PTSD and comorbidity. Results: Most respondents were in extreme poverty (average monthly income 24.4 dollars). The average number of traumatic events relating to political violence was 2.26. The lifetime prevalence of PTSD was 25.6 %. All respondents had at least one comorbid disorder. The most prevalent comorbidity was generalized anxiety disorder and depression. Conclusions: High prevalence of PTSD and comorbidity was observed. Furthermore, high prevalence of traumatic events and extreme poverty in this rural area was evident.

Keywords : Post-traumatic stress disorders; terrorism; comorbidity; Peru; rural health.

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