The impact of war violence exposure and psychological distress on parenting practices among a sample of young adults affected by war postconflict Sierra Leone.

Abstract

In postconflict regions, child soldiers and youth affected by these wars of the 1990s to 2000s are now parents raising children. To our knowledge, no research to date has examined the impact of war violence exposure and psychological distress on parenting practices among this population in postconflict Sierra Leone. Using data from a longitudinal study conducted in collaboration with a major nongovernment organization, this study aimed to fill this gap in our knowledge. Results indicate that wartime violence perpetration was associated with posttraumatic stress disorder and sad heart. More men reported experiencing a “sad heart” than women. Finally, both exposure to violence and parenting confidence were associated with higher nurturing behaviors. The findings of this study suggest that despite the gravity of war-related trauma on this population, these individuals are very nurturing toward their children and less likely to engage in physical discipline.

Strengthening parenting in conflict-affected communities: development of the Caregiver Support Intervention

“…The adverse impact of adversity on parenting among refugees is by no means absolute; many conflict-affected parents manage to nurture and protect their children despite their experience of violence, loss, and ongoing adversity (Betancourt et al ., 2013; Song et al ., 2014; Alleyne-Green et al ., 2019). Nonetheless, the finding of compromised parenting stemming from the combination of war exposure and daily stressors is robust, and has led to an interest in strengthening parenting in refugee and other conflict-affected families (Jordans et al ., 2013; Puffer et al ., 2015, 2017; Singla et al ., 2015).…”

Sexual risk behaviour among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone and Liberia: a secondary analysis of the 2017 Global school-based student health surveys

“…Sierra Leone and Liberia are neighbouring countries that have a shared history. Both countries' populations have experienced civil war and, most recently, an Ebola disease outbreak leading to profound economic hardship and psychopathologies such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, psychosis, and family disruption [ 20 , 26 – 28 ]. These mental health morbidities and family disruption were more profound among adolescents and young people, making them vulnerable to indulging in at-risk sexual behaviours such as early sexual debut, having multiple sexual partners, and not using condoms [ 10 , 29 , 30 ].…”

Sexual Risk Behaviour Among School-going Adolescents in Sierra Leone and Liberia. A Secondary Analysis of the 2017 Global School Health Survey

“…Sierra Leone and Liberia are neighbouring countries that have shared unique history. Both countries populations have experienced civil war and, most recently, an Ebola disease outbreak leading to profound economic hardship, psychopathologies such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and psychosis as well family disruption [20,[22][23][24]. These mental health morbidities and family disruption were more profound among adolescents and young people, making them vulnerable to indulge in at risk behaviours such as sexual risk behaviours like early sexual debut, having multiple sexual partners, and not using condoms [10,25,26].…”