Participant-Reported Effects of Armed Conflict and Displacement on Behaviour and Attitudes in Malakand District of Pakistan

Abstract

This study was carried out in Malakand District, to identify conflict related loss of family members and effect on livelihood as reported by study participants, to assess participant-reported perceived changes in human behaviour and attitude towards revenge due to armed conflict and displacement. For this cross-sectional study, convenient sampling was done among residents at the time of conflict and thereafter. Four hundred and thirty-five residents of Malakand District were included in the study. Two hundred and sixty-six (61%) of the participants were displaced from their hometown and 23% had one or more of their family members injured during the conflict. One hundred and sixty-five (38%) participants believed that they have the right to take revenge by whatever means necessary and 287 (66%) reported an increase in the incidence of domestic violence and abuse. Increase in abductions and robberies were reported by 292 (67%) and 182 (41.8%) participants, respectively. Those displaced were more likely to report a family member killed (p = 0.044) or injured in the conflict (p <0.05), earnings affected (p <0.05), increase in robberies (p = 0.006) and increased abductions (p = 0.003) compared to those who were not displaced in the conflict. Substantial loss of family members, displacement and loss of livelihood were reported by the participants due to armed conflict as well as an increase in various criminal activities. Health professionals in areas of conflict should consider focusing on domestic violence, mental health and social history.