Background:

Emotional distress is common in Colombian armed conflict victims. Multiple-victimisation is associated with an increase in emotional distress than victimisation due a single event. However, the association between poly-victimisation and emotional distress among victims of the armed conflict in Colombia has not been documented.

Objective:

To study the association between multiple-victimisation and emotional distress in victims of armed conflict in the State of Magdalena, Colombia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was designed, with a secondary analysis of registration of the Psychosocial Care Program and Victim Integral Health (PAPSIVI) in the State of Magdalena, from 2013 to 2014. The profile formula grouped demographic variables, victimising events, and a set of symptoms of emotional distress (perceived discrimination, depressive and anxiety-stress). Odds ratio (OR, 95%CI) were established as measures of association.

Results:

A total of 943 people were included, with 67.4% women, and ages between 18 and 94 years (mean 47.9 ±14.2). A total of 109 (11.7%) suffered from multiple victimisation. Multiple victimisation events were associated with more emotional distress, depressive symptoms (OR = 1.5; 95%CI, 1.3-1.8), perceived stigma (OR = 1.3; 95%CI, 1.1-1.5), and anxiety-stress (OR = 1.2; 95%CI 1.0-1.4) than a single event.

Conclusions:

There are more emotional distress in multiple victimisations than in a single victimisation event during armed conflict in this region of Colombia. Further studies are required on this topic.

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