Forced displacement due to internal armed conflict, mental health and sources of support in the municipality of Soacha, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. In the Colombian context, research with victims of armed conflict has demonstrated that they are affected by this exposure in different domains of their lives and this represents a challenge for their support workers.
Objective. To explore perceptions, beliefs and knowledge about mental health and support sources among victims of forced migration due to internal armed conflict and their support workers in the municipality of Soacha, Colombia.
Materials and method. A qualitative exploratory study. Data were collected December 2018–March 2019 using separate focus groups comprising victims and workers. Thematic content analysis established five deductive categories: perceptions of mental health; the impact of forced displacement and its relationship with mental health; knowledge/perception of institutional support; community networks and knowledge/perception of state measures concerning care, assistance and reparations for victims. Inductive categories that emerged from the analysis were also accounted for.
Results. Victims demonstrated poor mental health, expressed by emotional, cognitive and behavioural disturbances. Many of these had been precipitated by the traumatic stress of being displaced and exposed to other types of violence, as well as being surrounded by social and material deprivation. Emotional avoidance and active search for self improvement emerged as copying styles used by victims. Workers experienced high levels of stress and themselves needed support for their mental health related to assisting trauma victims.
Conclusions. The findings showed complex and mainly negative impacts on mental health in both groups. Interventions should aim to address poor mental health and strengthen cultural identity and support networks for victims.