Mental Health Outcomes in Communities Exposed to Armed Conflict Experiences

Abstract Background: Most of the population exposed to armed conflict experiences (ACE) live in low-income countries with limited resources for social investment and mental health. Populations exposed to ACE (e.g. victims and ex-combatants) show different levels of affectation in their mental health. In this work, we aim to identify relationships between different levels of ACE and mental health outcomes.Methods: We start classifying the population in two groups: low and high exposition to ACE using the Extreme Experiences Scale (EX2). We then use a Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) and a Lineal Regression to explore the relationships between low and high levels of ACE, the empathy dimensions of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and the presence or absence of mental health conditions. Being ACE levels our independent variable and categories derived from Axis I diagnosis of Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and dimensions of IRI scale as dependent variables. Results were obtained by calculating the Odd Ratio, Beta values, and a coefficient interval of 95%.Results: According to the cut-off points derived from the Scores of EX2 scale, the general sample were distributed in two groups: The group of high level of ACE (scores >2.5) with 119 subjects, and the low-level ACE group (scores<2.5) with 66 subjects. Our results evidence that people with high exposition to ACE experiment a higher Fantasy dimension of IRI scale and higher odds to present anxiety disorders, risk of suicide, or PTSD.Conclusion: These findings allowed us to identify the influence of ACE on mental health outcomes, to classify exposed populations, and to design effective strategies of intervention and implementation of mental health programs in these communities.