Trauma-induced distress and behavioural problems among children and adolescents in Kashmir: a descriptive study

Background: Research show that the youth of Kashmir have mental health issues secondary to being exposed to political conflicts and violence. However, this area is under-researched among school children and adolescents living in this region. Aims:  The study aimed to examine and understand the psychological distress and behavioural problems among school children aged between 10 to 18 years living in conflict-affected areas in Kashmir, India. Methods:  A mixed model was used to collect the required data. Quantitative information was obtained using a semi-structured interview and the DASS- 21 questionnaire. The qualitative information was obtained by conducting interviews with randomly selected participants from the group. Results:  Of the 112 children and adolescents, 73.2% were males and 47.3% were from the age group of 10-12 years. Out of the total, 85.7%, 76.8%, and 54.9% had some level of depression, anxiety, and stress respectively as per the DASS- 21. Conclusion: Trauma, and stress, increased the risk of depression, anxiety, and behavioural problems among children and adolescents in complex ways. Our findings highlight the importance of examining trauma and distress at early life cycle stages across age cohorts of children and adolescents in school populations.