title: Who cares for former child soldiers? Mental health systems of care in sierra leone.
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.
authors: Asian Americans for Community Involvement/Center for Survivors of Torture, San Jose, CA 95128, USA. suzan.song@post.harvard.edu
authors: Suzan
authors: S
authors: J Song
authors: Helene
authors: H
authors: van den Brink
authors: Joop
authors: J
authors: de Jong
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012807:Sierra Leone; D014857:Warfare; D055815:Young Adult