Citation

Nascimento RBH, de Matos Brasil AG, Pires JP, de Moura Gabriel IW, Bezerra BLL, Bessa MMM, Neto MLR, Lima NNR, Gurgel E Silva SQ, de Alcântara TB. Child Abuse Negl. 2022; 127: e105574.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105574

PMID

35217319

Abstract

In Afghanistan, the burden of poor mental health arises in contexts of widespread poverty, social inequality, and persistent violence. Generations of Afghans were born during the conflict, and some never knew peace. Children make up more than half (57%) of the population in need of emergency humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. Recent assessments indicate that more than a third of children have been exposed to psychological distress due to the loss of family and community members and the constant risk of death and injury. Children and teens are struggling with anxieties and fears, desperately in need of mental health support. The lack of social support manifested itself in various forms of suffering in both children and adolescents. The quality of the environment where children and adolescents grow up shapes their well-being and development.

Language: en

Keywords

Children; Adolescents; Violence; Mental health; Afghanistan