@article{ref1,
title="Previous violent events and mental health outcomes in Guatemala",
journal="American journal of public health",
year="2015",
author="Puac-Polanco, Victor D. and Lopez-Soto, Victor A. and Kohn, Robert and Xie, Dawei and Richmond, Therese S. and Branas, Charles C.",
volume="105",
number="4",
pages="764-771",
abstract="OBJECTIVEs. We analyzed a probability sample of Guatemalans to determine if a relationship exists between previous violent events and development of mental health outcomes in various sociodemographic groups, as well as during and after the Guatemalan Civil War. <br><br>METHODS. We used regression modeling, an interaction test, and complex survey design adjustments to estimate prevalences and test potential relationships between previous violent events and mental health. <br><br>RESULTS. Many (20.6%) participants experienced at least 1 previous serious violent event. Witnessing someone severely injured or killed was the most common event. Depression was experienced by 4.2% of participants, with 6.5% experiencing anxiety, 6.4% an alcohol-related disorder, and 1.9% posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Persons who experienced violence during the war had 4.3 times the adjusted odds of alcohol-related disorders (P < .05) and 4.0 times the adjusted odds of PTSD (P < .05) compared with the postwar period. Women, indigenous Maya, and urban dwellers had greater odds of experiencing postviolence mental health outcomes. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS. Violence that began during the civil war and continues today has had a significant effect on the mental health of Guatemalans. However, mental health outcomes resulting from violent events decreased in the postwar period, suggesting a nation in recovery. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print February 25, 2015: e1-e8. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2014.302328).<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0090-0036",
doi="10.2105/AJPH.2014.302328",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302328"
}