Broadening the scope of epidemiology in conflict-affected settings: opportunities for mental health prevention and promotion

Tol, W. A.; Rees, S. J.; Silove, D. M.

doi:10.1017/s2045796013000188

Cited by 50Health and Conflict StudiesMigration, Health and TraumaMental Health Treatment and Access

Broadening the scope of epidemiology in conflict-affected settings: opportunities for mental health prevention and promotion

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Tol, W. A., Rees, S. J., Silove, D. M.·2013·Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences

DOI 10.1017/s2045796013000188PMC PMC8367339

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Abstract

This editorial proposes a shift in emphasis in the field of mental health epidemiology in conflict-affected settings. After a brief summary of the nature of contemporary armed conflicts, we consider the current and potential roles that epidemiology can play with regard to: (1) establishing the burden of mental disorders; (2) identifying risk and protective factors; and (3) intervention research. We advocate for improved methodological rigor; more attention to mixed methods approaches and multi-level longitudinal research; inclusion of the determinants of mental health beyond conflict-related violence; and consideration of a wider array of mental health outcomes. We particularly highlight the importance of expanding interest to epidemiological research that advances prevention and promotion interventions (e.g., in the early childhood period), in order to fill the gap between epidemiology and mental health practice in conflict-affected settings.

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Pre-existing neuropsychiatric disorders such as psychosis and epilepsy are important for mental health service planning for conflict-affected populations.
“In addition, pre-existing neuropsychiatric disorders such as psychosis and epilepsy are important for mental health service planning for conflict-affected populations [12, 13].”
From Mental health and psychosocial support for South Sudanese refugees in northern Uganda: a needs and resource assessment (2016) · cites this paper as [13]
The paper’s discussion of descriptive epidemiology (indexed as Abstract; page unavailable) says that disorder prevalence can inform mental-health priorities and resource allocation in conflict settings. It also urges attention beyond PTSD to neuropsychiatric disorders, including psychosis. The cited passages do not mention epilepsy or establish that these disorders were pre-existing. (LLM, conf=0.86)
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Additional file 1 of Cultural adaptation of a scalable psychological intervention for Burundian refugee adolescents in Tanzania: a qualitative study
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Authors: Tol, W. A., Rees, S. J., & Silove, D. M.
Affiliations: Johns Hopkins University (US)
UNSW Sydney (AU)
Corresponding author: Tol, W. A.
ORCID: Tol, W. A.
Rees, S. J.
Silove, D. M.
Venue: Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published: 2013-04-29
Volume: 22
Issue: 3
Pages: 197-203
ISSN: 2045-7960 (ISSN-L)
2045-7979
DOI: 10.1017/s2045796013000188
PMC: PMC8367339
OpenAlex: W2162500108
Cited by: 50
References: 49
Citations by year: 2026: 6 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 2
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: bronze
doi.org
Licence: www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified)
Locations: Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences (publishedVersion)
PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health and Conflict Studies
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Migration, Health and Trauma
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
Keywords: psychiatric epidemiology, conflict-affected settings, armed conflict, risk and protective factors, mental health prevention, mental health promotion, intervention research, methodological quality, mixed methods, early childhood, conflict-related violence
MeSH terms: Mental Disorders, Humans, Mental Health, Mental Health Services, Violence

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Broadening the scope of epidemiology in conflict-affected settings: opportunities for mental health prevention and promotion

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