Psychological and somatic health problems in Bosnian refugees: a three year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to explore association between psychiatric disorders (PTSD and depression) and chronic medical illnesses in a group of Bosnian refugees followed up for three years (1996-1999).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Study was conducted in refugee camps in Varaždin, Nbaseline=534, Nendpoint=376 (70.4%). The interviews were conducted in Bosnian, data on depression and PTSD were collected using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 and Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, respectively. Medical conditions were self-reported.

RESULTS: Most important findings: 1) Half of the sample at both study points reported no psychiatric problems (N=294, 55% vs. N=225, 59%), others suffered from depression (N=99, 18.5% at both times), PTSD (N=30, 5.6% vs. N=15, 4%), and depression + PTSD (N=129, 24.2% vs. N=114, 30.3%); 2) A total of 15 medical conditions were identified, and most frequently present were high blood pressure (N=201, 37.6%) and heart disease (N=167, 31.3%); 3) Occurrence of medical conditions was related to the clinical group - they were more frequent in subjects diagnosed with depression and depression + PTSD, than in those who were asymptomatic or suffering from PTSD only.

CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate the persistence of both psychological and somatic health problems in Bosnian refugees involved in this study over time. Holistic approach and avoiding of mind-body dualism might be beneficial for the care and long-term prognosis of these people.