Drinking and depression as predictors of social support and quality of life amongst civilians and ex-combatants in Juba, South Sudan

Abstract

This paper examined drinking and depression as predictors of social support and quality of life among civilians and ex-combatants in South Sudan. High levels of drinking and depression and rising rates of suicide have been reported as growing matters of public health concern. Some ex-combatants will suffer severe psychological conditions, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after the war. Mental health conditions that co-exist with alcohol abuse have a more debilitating effect. Designing effective intervention programs to prevent complications and or to treat those at risk is critical. Several scales were used to measure psychological well-being. Regression, independent samples t-test techniques and standard equation modelling were used to evaluate the hypotheses. Gender and affiliation were found to be significant predictors of social support while education and drinking were significant predictors of quality of life. However, depression was not a significant predictor of either. The research was conducted from April to September 2011. Data was collected from civilians and verified ex-combatants and Women Associated Armed Forces in Western and Northern Bahr El Ghazal. Four trained caseworkers of the South Sudan DDR Commission assisted with data collection.

Key Terms: Drinking, depression, ex-combatants, and Sudan