Reintegration of child soldiers in Burundi: a tracer study

BMC Public Health. 2012 Oct 25:12:905. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-905.

Abstract

Background: Substantial attention and resources are aimed at the reintegration of child soldiers, yet rigorous evaluations are rare.

Methods: This tracer study was conducted among former child soldiers (N=452) and never-recruited peers (N=191) who participated in an economic support program in Burundi. Socio-economic outcome indicators were measured retrospectively for the period before receiving support (T1; 2005-06); immediately afterwards (T2; 2006-07); and at present (T3; 2010). Participants also rated present functional impairment and mental health indicators.

Results: Participants reported improvement on all indicators, especially economic opportunity and social integration. At present no difference existed between both groups on any of the outcome indicators. Socio-economic functioning was negatively related with depression- and, health complaints and positively with intervention satisfaction.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates promising reintegration trajectories of former child soldiers after participating in a support program.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Burundi / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / embryology
  • Military Personnel / psychology*
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Qualitative Research
  • Resilience, Psychological*
  • Social Adjustment*
  • Social Class
  • Young Adult