The psychological disturbances of war-traumatized adolescents in rural and urban areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina and correlation with poverty and hopelessness
The study examined the psychological health of war-traumatized adolescents in rural and urban areas of Bosnia and determined its correlation with poverty and hopelessness. The study was carried out in Teocak and Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina in March 2007. PTSD prevalence was significantly higher amongst rural than urban adolescents. Depression was present with no statistical difference between the rural and urban groups. All adolescents reported high hopelessness scores with again no difference between groups. Prevalence of PTSD was positively correlated with the prevalence of depression. Life in poor material conditions worsened psychological war consequences and academic achievement. Academic achievements were negatively associated with age, severity of PTSD, depression, suicidal thoughts, hopelessness and with the mean number of trauma experiences.