LONG-TERM POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN MACEDONIA

Abstract

Long-term psychological consequences and quality o f life were assessed in 541 DPs, four years after their displacement due to the war conflict in 2001. We found that over half o f them had experienced three
or more traumatic events in their lifetime, whereas during the conflict they had experienced more traumatic events than in previous and later periods. High rate of PTSD symptomatology was found among IDPs. One third o f them have current PTSD and every sixth participant has past PTSD. From the three groups o f posttraumatic stress reactions, IDPs suffer mostly from intrusive symptoms. Female participants show a higher rate o f PTSD symptoms, especially intrusive symptoms. In addition, the IDPs are generally dissatisfied with the quality o f their
life. They are least satisfied with their financial situation, accommodation and employment, while they are most satisfied with their family relationships. Participants with lower quality o f life also experience more intense posttraumatic stress.