Felipe Agudelo-Hernández, Laura Inés Plata-Casas, Eduardo Marulanda-López
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objectives: To explore the relationship between forced displacement and variables associated with mental health in an indigenous Colombian pediatric population.
Methods: A mixed methods design was applied with 69 children aged six to 16 years belonging to 45 families of the Embera Dobidá People: 25 displaced families and 20 non-displaced families. The qualitative phase involved focus groups, while the quantitative phase used a cross-sectional correlational design.
Results: Quantitative findings revealed statistically significant correlations (p < 0.001) between displacement and multiple mental health indicators, particularly emotional and behavioral problems. Food insecurity showed a moderate but meaningful effect, highlighting the impact of nutritional vulnerability on the emotional wellbeing of displaced children and adolescents. In the qualitative phase distinct themes emerged in each community: A territory that cannot be returned to, in Caldas, and The angry and dying territory, in Chocó.
Conclusion: For Indigenous communities in Colombia, mental health is closely tied nutritional sufficiency and a meaningful relationship with ancestral territory. These elements are disrupted by forced displacement, contributing to elevated suicidal risk and emotional distress among children and adolescents.
期刊介绍:
The International Journal of Public Health publishes scientific articles relevant to global public health, from different countries and cultures, and assembles them into issues that raise awareness and understanding of public health problems and solutions. The Journal welcomes submissions of original research, critical and relevant reviews, methodological papers and manuscripts that emphasize theoretical content. IJPH sometimes publishes commentaries and opinions. Special issues highlight key areas of current research. The Editorial Board''s mission is to provide a thoughtful forum for contemporary issues and challenges in global public health research and practice.