Exploring The Lived Experiences of Soldiers with Combat Exposure in Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025-01-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Combat exposure presents profound psychological challenges for soldiers, with long lasting consequences on their mental health. While research has explored PTSD and other mental health issues among military personnel globally, little is known about the subjective experiences of Ethiopian soldiers who have been exposed to combat. This study seeks to fill the gap by exploring the lived experiences of soldiers at Throatlatch Armed Forces Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Objectives: This qualitative study aimed to explore the thoughts, emotions and experiences of soldiers with combat exposure, focusing on their experiences before, during and after deployment to the war front. Method: A phenomenological approach was employed to gather an in-depth insight from 5 participants (4 males, 1 female) receiving treatment at Throatlatch Armed Forces Hospital. Semi -structured, individual interviews were conducted in Amharic with the data recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify emerging themes. Results: There are four major themes identified reflecting the multifaced nature of combat exposure. These include; impacts on interpersonal relationships, emotional responses, physical impact of injuries, spiritual reflections and future aspirations. Conclusion; This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the psychological impact of combat exposure on Ethiopian soldiers. It highlights the complexity of their experiences, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive interventions to address the mental health needs of solider returning from combat.
Description
Keywords
Combat exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Ethiopian soldiers, military mental health