Citation

Song SJ, van den Brink H, de Jong J. Community Ment. Health J. 2013; 49(5): 615-624.

Affiliation

Asian Americans for Community Involvement/Center for Survivors of Torture, 2400 Moorpark Ave. #300, San Jose, CA, 95128, USA, suzan.song@post.harvard.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10597-013-9597-3

PMID

23338835

Abstract

While numerous studies on former child soldiers (FCS) have shown mental health needs, adequate services are a challenge. This study aimed to identify priorities, barriers and facilitators of mental health care for Sierra Leonean FCS. Thematic analysis was done on 24 qualitative interviews with participants from diverse sectors. Priorities of mental distress, substance abuse, and gender-based violence were common among FCS clients. Barriers were governmental support and communication with other providers. Perceived facilitators of care were primary- and secondary-level interventions. A public mental health model would feasibly build upon local, culturally embraced interventions, targeting local priorities and reducing barriers to care.

Language: en