Social networks and mental health in post-conflict Mitrovica, Kosova

Abstract

BackgroundTo investigate the relation between social networks and mental health in the post-conflict municipality of Mitrovica, Kosovo.MethodsUsing a three-stage stratified sampling method, 1239 respondents aged 16 years or above were recruited in the Greater Mitrovica region. Social network depth was measured by the frequency of contacts with friends, relatives and strangers. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between social network depth and mental health.ResultsThe analytical sample consisted of 993 respondents. The prevalence of depression (54.3%) and anxiety (64.4%) were extremely high. In multiple regression analysis, a lower depth of social network (contact with friends) was associated with higher levels of both depression and anxiety.ConclusionsThis study has shown that only one variety of social network – contact with friends – was important in terms of mental health outcomes in a population living in an area heavily affected by conflict. This suggests that the relation between social networks and mental health may be complex in that the effects of different forms of social network on mental health are not uniform and may depend on the way social networks are operationalised and the particular context in which the relationship is examined.

Social Capital and Mental Health in Post-Disaster/Conflict Contexts: A Systematic Review

“…Understanding the fact that it is essential, for mental health, to be able to preserve-post disaster or post conflict-one's relationship with a social network may be important to guide interventions in these contexts. In war-affected contexts in particular, specific types of networks may be beneficial for mental health, such as frequency of contact with friends 50 or being part of informal organizations (such as sports teams), whereas belonging to formal organizations such as church or unions may have the opposite effect. 49 These findings highlight the importance of differentiating between bonding, bridging, and linking in SC research.…”

“…50 The time elapsed between the conflict and the study ranged from 7 months 49 to 11 years. 50 The total data set was 3295 (median = 993, IQR: 2202-100). All studies focused on adults and were cross-sectional.…”

Study protocol: a prospective cohort on non-communicable diseases among primary healthcare users living in Kosovo (KOSCO)

“…7 Other studies, which focused on specific regions of the country or specific subgroups, found a prevalence of depression which ranged from 29.7% to 66.5%. [8][9][10][11] It is clear that depression is common in Kosovo, far exceeding the global average. Some interpret the high rates of depression as an aftermath to the stressful conditions following the war.…”

Capacidad laboral de las personas mayores de 50 años, en proceso de reintegración, adscritos a la Agencia para la Reincorporación y la Normalización

“…Se resalta que este estudió abordó un tema poco explorado, como es la reintegración de las personas pertenecientes a grupos al margen de la ley al ámbito laboral, ya que los estudios en población excombatiente se enfocan principalmente en las secuelas mentales que deja el conflicto armado, como depresión, ansiedad y estrés postraumático [31][32][33][34][35][36].…”