The Impact of War on Mental Health in Cameroon's North-west and South-west Regions: A Psycho-traumatology Perspective

Abstract

Background: The war is a major poly-traumatic event, which leads to massive population displacements. The question of the evaluation and psychological care of psychotraumatised people is an urgent matter. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the ongoing war in North-west & South-West (NOSO) on the mental health of soldiers and civilians, focusing on war-induced trauma. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in different settings in the NOSO.  Data was collected from 203 participants, two years after the war began, using a structured questionnaire that included sections on sociodemographic information, trauma-related issues, and mental health. Results: The study found that levels of depression and anxiety were relatively average. However, those who were directly exposed to military actions, physical violence, or severe human suffering had higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma-related symptoms. The war experience varied by gender, age, involved actors (soldiers vs civilians), and living conditions. Conclusion: The results imply that the degree of exposure to violence and living circumstances had distinct effects on the mental health of those afflicted by the war. The study also found a number of stresses, including physical and sexual assault, kidnapping, and abuses committed by military personnel. Subsequent investigations ought to devise efficacious measures to bolster the welfare of residents amidst this arduous period.