survivors of war in the northern kosovo (ii) baseline clinical and functional assessment and lasting effects on the health of a vulnerable population战争的幸存者在科索沃北部(ii)基线临床和功能评估对脆弱人群的健康和持久的影响.pdf

Wang et al. Conflict and Health 2010, 4:16 /content/4/1/16 RESEARCH Open Access Survivors of war in the Northern Kosovo (II): baseline clinical and functional assessment and lasting effects on the health of a vulnerable population 1* 2 2 3 1 Shr-Jie Wang , Sebahate Pacolli , Feride Rushiti , Berina Rexhaj , Jens Modvig Abstract Background: This study documents torture and injury experience and investigates emotional well-being of victims of massive violence identified during a household survey in Mitrovicë district in Kosovo. Their physical health indicators such as body mass index (BMI), handgrip strength and standing balance were also measured. A further aim is to suggest approaches for developing and monitoring rehabilitation programmes. Methods: A detailed assessment was carried out on 63 male and 62 female victims. Interviews and physical examination provided information about traumatic exposure, injuries, and intensity and frequency of pain. Emotional well-being was assessed using the “WHO-5 Well-Being” score. Height, weight, handgrip strength and standing balance performance were measured. Results: Around 50% of victims had experienced at least two types of torture methods and reported at least two injury locations; 70% had moderate or severe pain and 92% reported constant or periodic pain within the previous two weeks. Only 10% of the victims were in paid employment. Nearly 90% of victims had experienced at least four types of emotional disturbances within the previous two weeks, and many had low scores for emotional well- being. This was found to be associated with severe pain, higher exposure to violence and human rights violations and with a low educational level, unemployment and the absence of political o