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Mental Health Outcome Of Unilateral Lower Limb Amputee Soldiers In Two Districts Of Sri Lanka

Author

Listed:
  • Nalika Gunawardena

    (Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka; nalikaguna@hotmail.com)

  • Rohini De A Senevirathne

    (Department of Community Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka)

  • Thamara Athauda

    (Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Abstract

Background : Thousands of armed forces personnel in Sri Lanka have undergone lower limb amputations due to war injuries. Aims : The aims were to describe the mental health outcome of unilateral lower limb amputee male soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army in comparison with nonamputee males and to identify factors affecting the mental health outcome. Methodology : Selected amputee soldiers ( n = 461) and controls ( n = 461) were evaluated for psychological distress using self-administered versions of GHQ-30 and BSI. Alcohol and drug consumption patterns were compared. Probable addiction to alcohol and drugs were assessed using the CAGE questionnaire. Results : A majority were below-knee amputees (413, 89.6%). Among amputee soldiers 36% were found to be psychologically distressed according to GHQ-30 while 13.4% were found to be psychologically distressed using BSI. Psychological distress was greater among amputee soldiers compared to controls (p

Suggested Citation

  • Nalika Gunawardena & Rohini De A Senevirathne & Thamara Athauda, 2007. "Mental Health Outcome Of Unilateral Lower Limb Amputee Soldiers In Two Districts Of Sri Lanka," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 53(2), pages 135-147, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:53:y:2007:i:2:p:135-147
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764006075029
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