NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE STILL AFFECTED BY BOMB
Significant' number of young people still affected by bomb aftermath
THE Sperrin Lakeland Trust and the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) this week announced the findings of a major study into the long term impact of the Omagh bombing on children and young people. The study was undertaken in November 1999 and involved over 4,500 children from 24 local schools and colleges.
The study is significant as it provides valuable insight into the impact of the tragedy on children and young people. It is the only major study of its kind undertaken in the history of the Troubles.
The details of the findings are as follows:
- Of the 4,500 children and young people who participated, approximately half were adolescents (13-18 years approximately) and the other half were children between the ages of 8 and 13 years.
- 173 (8%) of the children and 236 (10%) of the adolescents were in town at the time of the bomb. 346 (16%) children and 468 (20%) adolescents from the study were in town shortly after the explosion.
- 43% (938) of the children and 53% (1,213) of the adolescents had a family member of friend injured. 20% of children (433) and 24% of the adolescents (556) had a family member or friend killed.
- Younger children (7-9 age range) reported higher levels of stress. Children who were hurt or injured scored highest in terms of trauma and depression ratings. Indirect exposure (such as knowing someone who was injured) who also linked to increase levels of distress.
- The highest levels of post traumatic stress among the adolescent group were experienced by those who were in town at the time of the explosion those who thought that they were going to die and those who saw people whom they thought were going to die.
Even though the questionnaires were completed by young people 15 months after the bombing, the findings on reactions to the bombing were significant.
In the adolescents group, 33% still have distressing memories; for 24% the memories remain vivid. A third reported they try hard to control their feelings and a third try hard to push feelings of the bomb out of their mind. Such results are of concern because attempts to suppress thoughts and feelings instead of emotionally processing them, are likely to maintain rather than reduce post traumatic stress, health professionals said.
Sperrin Lakeland staff offered assessment appointments for children and adolescents who have scored in the high ranges of the questionnaires. A wider strategy to offer advice and guidance to all respondents who reported a lower level of distress is also being developed. Parents who receive a letter offering an appointment are being encouraged to bring their child/young person for assessment.
Commenting on the study, Mr. Hugh Mills, chief executive of the Sperrin Lakeland Trust, said that he was concerned about the enduring impact of the bombing on children and young people.
He welcomed the study and said: "It is through work such as this, undertaken by the Trust with the support of the Education .Services, that we can best understand the impact of such tragedies". "The study has already shed light on how best we can help children and young people, and their families in the wake of the bombing".
Mr. Joe Martin, chief executive of the Educational and Library Board expressed his appreciation to the local schools and principals for their interest and support, and their commitment in carrying out the study.
He said that the join it work between the Trust and the Education Services would bring benefits to local children and families, and is an example of how agencies and organisations can work together in the interests of their local community.
Dr. Maura McDermott, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, said the findings were striking in a number of aspects.
"The number of children and young people who continue to be adversely affected psychologically 15 months after the bombing is significant and in keeping with what had been anticipated.
"Given that, to date, only 10.4% of the adolescent group have come forward for help, I would encourage parents to avail of the offer of assessment to ensure that their children do not require any therapeutic intervention or help. Alternatively, I would advise parents to contact the Trauma centre to discuss any concerns they might have".
Mr. David Bolton, Director of Community Care, said the study has been important for a number of reasons. "Many of the children and young people who have shown indications of distress have not yet accessed help, and many were not known previously to our services.
"In the months following the bombing, it did concern us that the numbers of children and young people coming forward for help was reducing much faster in comparison to the number of adults.
"We were concerned that there may be children and young people who were significantly distressed and who may need help. This study confirms that this was indeed the case", he said.
He encouraged parents, teachers and others with concerns for children and young people to assist children and young people in accessing help even at this stage.
The Co-ordinator of the Community Trauma and Recovery Team in Omagh, Michael duffy, said the team was available to provide information and advice to parents and could help them and their children and young people access services.
He said that along with a number of other oganisations in Omagh, the team had seen a considerable number of children and young people since the bombing and continued to provide support to children and their families.
He also drew attention to the role of health visitors, especially in relation to very young children, and to the help provided by family doctors. He said that the team could be contacted on Omagh (028) 82 252599 at the Bridge Centre, Holmview Avenue, Campsie.
THE Sperrin Lakeland Trust and the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) this week announced the findings of a major study into the long term impact of the Omagh bombing on children and young people. The study was undertaken in November 1999 and involved over 4,500 children from 24 local schools and colleges.
The study is significant as it provides valuable insight into the impact of the tragedy on children and young people. It is the only major study of its kind undertaken in the history of the Troubles.
The details of the findings are as follows:
- Of the 4,500 children and young people who participated, approximately half were adolescents (13-18 years approximately) and the other half were children between the ages of 8 and 13 years.
- 173 (8%) of the children and 236 (10%) of the adolescents were in town at the time of the bomb. 346 (16%) children and 468 (20%) adolescents from the study were in town shortly after the explosion.
- 43% (938) of the children and 53% (1,213) of the adolescents had a family member of friend injured. 20% of children (433) and 24% of the adolescents (556) had a family member or friend killed.
- Younger children (7-9 age range) reported higher levels of stress. Children who were hurt or injured scored highest in terms of trauma and depression ratings. Indirect exposure (such as knowing someone who was injured) who also linked to increase levels of distress.
- The highest levels of post traumatic stress among the adolescent group were experienced by those who were in town at the time of the explosion those who thought that they were going to die and those who saw people whom they thought were going to die.
Even though the questionnaires were completed by young people 15 months after the bombing, the findings on reactions to the bombing were significant.
In the adolescents group, 33% still have distressing memories; for 24% the memories remain vivid. A third reported they try hard to control their feelings and a third try hard to push feelings of the bomb out of their mind. Such results are of concern because attempts to suppress thoughts and feelings instead of emotionally processing them, are likely to maintain rather than reduce post traumatic stress, health professionals said.
Sperrin Lakeland staff offered assessment appointments for children and adolescents who have scored in the high ranges of the questionnaires. A wider strategy to offer advice and guidance to all respondents who reported a lower level of distress is also being developed. Parents who receive a letter offering an appointment are being encouraged to bring their child/young person for assessment.
Commenting on the study, Mr. Hugh Mills, chief executive of the Sperrin Lakeland Trust, said that he was concerned about the enduring impact of the bombing on children and young people.
He welcomed the study and said: "It is through work such as this, undertaken by the Trust with the support of the Education .Services, that we can best understand the impact of such tragedies". "The study has already shed light on how best we can help children and young people, and their families in the wake of the bombing".
Mr. Joe Martin, chief executive of the Educational and Library Board expressed his appreciation to the local schools and principals for their interest and support, and their commitment in carrying out the study.
He said that the join it work between the Trust and the Education Services would bring benefits to local children and families, and is an example of how agencies and organisations can work together in the interests of their local community.
Dr. Maura McDermott, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, said the findings were striking in a number of aspects.
"The number of children and young people who continue to be adversely affected psychologically 15 months after the bombing is significant and in keeping with what had been anticipated.
"Given that, to date, only 10.4% of the adolescent group have come forward for help, I would encourage parents to avail of the offer of assessment to ensure that their children do not require any therapeutic intervention or help. Alternatively, I would advise parents to contact the Trauma centre to discuss any concerns they might have".
Mr. David Bolton, Director of Community Care, said the study has been important for a number of reasons. "Many of the children and young people who have shown indications of distress have not yet accessed help, and many were not known previously to our services.
"In the months following the bombing, it did concern us that the numbers of children and young people coming forward for help was reducing much faster in comparison to the number of adults.
"We were concerned that there may be children and young people who were significantly distressed and who may need help. This study confirms that this was indeed the case", he said.
He encouraged parents, teachers and others with concerns for children and young people to assist children and young people in accessing help even at this stage.
The Co-ordinator of the Community Trauma and Recovery Team in Omagh, Michael duffy, said the team was available to provide information and advice to parents and could help them and their children and young people access services.
He said that along with a number of other oganisations in Omagh, the team had seen a considerable number of children and young people since the bombing and continued to provide support to children and their families.
He also drew attention to the role of health visitors, especially in relation to very young children, and to the help provided by family doctors. He said that the team could be contacted on Omagh (028) 82 252599 at the Bridge Centre, Holmview Avenue, Campsie.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1455
Published Date: 06-Jul-00
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