Articles de recherche

Résumé.

L'enquête se situe dans trois quartiers populaires de Port-au-Prince en 2011 et 2013.

Objectifs. Mesurer la situation psychologique des jeunes enfants de 3 à 6 ans après le séisme de 2010 en Haïti et étudier son évolution à un an.

Méthode. Deux administrations standardisées du questionnaire PSYCa 3-6 soumis aux parents à domicile fin 2011 et début 2013.

Résultats. Les garçons sont davantage exposés aux perturbations psychologiques que les filles. La taille et le rang dans la fratrie augmentent le score de perturbation psychologique. Le quartier et la perception de la violence environnementale ont une incidence considérable sur le score de perturbation psychologique. L'amélioration sensible des scores entre la première et la seconde passation met modérément en relief une résilience dont les facteurs principaux sont le support social reçu par la famille, le retour rapide à l'école, la foi et la pratique religieuse.

Abstract.

The paper describes an action research for indicative assessment of psychological problems of young children following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and the interest of using the Creole version of the questionnaire PSYCa 3-6. The survey took place in Port-au-Prince, and the evaluators were trained to a proper standardized administration of the questionnaire.

Background. The mental health needs of young children in natural disaster contexts often remain unaddressed. The lack of a rapid and simple tool for screening combined with few mental health professionals available to accurately diagnose and provide appropriate care mean that young children remain without care. Here, we present the results of psychological screening of young children aged 3 to 6 using the questionnaire PSYCa 3-6.

Methods. This study was conducted in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The scale was translated into Haitian Creole using corroboration of independent translations and submitted twice to the parents at home, at the end of 2011 and again at the beginning of 2013. At the first stage 166 children 3 to 6 years old were included 49 of whom were included at the second stage. The results and diagnostic properties were assessed comparing the PSYCa 3-6 to the Clinical Global Impression Severity Scale as the gold standard.

Results. Boys were more prone to psychological disturbances than girls. The size and position among the siblings increased the score of psychological disturbance. The neighborhood and the perception of environmental violence had a significant impact on the score of psychological disturbance. The significant improvement in scores between the two examinations showed moderate resiliency whose main factors seemed to be the social support received by the family, the rapid return to school, faith and religious practice.