scholarly journals Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽  
Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽  
Leen Makki ◽  
Ayham Alyousbashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Severe Mental Disorder ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with those of multiple studies on Syria and refugees. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria in different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included the Kessler 10 (K10) scale which screens for anxiety and depression, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and questionnaires on demographic and war-related factors. Results Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) between the age of 19 and 25. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the war was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most prominent factors for more severe PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in participants living in different governorates or among different types of jobs. A strong significant correlation (r = 0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores. Conclusion The conflict in Syria has left the population at great risk for mental distress which was higher compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to help the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

scholarly journals Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S261-S261
Author(s):  
Sami Jomaa ◽  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽  
Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽  
Leen Makki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Severe Mental Disorder ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional

AimsSyria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with those of multiple studies on Syria and refugees.MethodThis is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria in different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included the Kessler 10 (K10) scale which screens for anxiety and depression, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and questionnaires on demographic and war-related factors.ResultOur study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) between the age of 19 and 25. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the war was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most prominent factors for more severe PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in participants living in different governorates or among different types of jobs. A strong significant correlation (r = 0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores.ConclusionThe conflict in Syria has left the population at great risk for mental distress which was higher compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to help the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

scholarly journals Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽  
Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽  
Leen Makki ◽  
Ayham Alyousbashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Severe Mental Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions being displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with multiple studies of Syria and refugees.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria from different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included Kessler 10 (K10) questionnaire, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and demographic and war-related questionnaires.Results: Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) aged (19-25) years. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the crisis was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most important factors for more sever PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in governorates and type of job. A strong correlation (r=0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores. Conclusion: The conflict in Syria has left the population at a great risk for mental distress which was more severe compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to aid the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

scholarly journals Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽  
Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽  
Leen Makki ◽  
Ayham Alyousbashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Severe Mental Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions being displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with multiple studies of Syria and refugees.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria from different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included Kessler 10 (K10) questionnaire, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and demographic and war-related questionnaires.Results: Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) aged (19-25) years. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the crisis was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most important factors for more sever PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in governorates and type of job. A strong correlation (r=0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores. Conclusion: The conflict in Syria has left the population at a great risk for mental distress which was more severe compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to aid the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

scholarly journals Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽  
Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽  
Leen Makki ◽  
Ayham Alyousbashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Severe Mental Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions being displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compare the findings with multiple studies of Syria and refugees. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria from different provinces. Online surveys on multiple online groups included Kessler 10 (K10) questionnaire, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and demographic and war-related questionnaires. Results: Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) aged (19-25) years. Among participants, 44% had severe mental disorder, 27% had both severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change place of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the crisis was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most important factors for more sever PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence was noted between provinces or type of job. A strong correlation (r=0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores. Conclusion: The conflict in Syria has left the population at a great risk for mental distress which was more severe compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to aid the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

scholarly journals Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a national-wide crisis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽  
Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽  
Leen Makki ◽  
Ayham Alyousbashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Severe Mental Disorder ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Study Results ◽  
High Distress ◽  
Negative Feelings

Abstract Background: Syria has experienced war over the past seven years, leaving a high percentage of the population below the poverty line. This has significantly impacted Syrians which is reflected in the psychiatric aspect. This study evaluates the severity of the mental disorder caused by war and other factors, and evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in addition to support provided to Syrians. Methods: Online surveys including the Kessler 10 (K10) survey, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and demographic and war-related questions were used for this study. Results: Our study included 1951 participants, comprising 527 (27.0%) males and 1538 (78.8%) aged (19-25) years. Of all the participants in the study, 44% had severe mental disorder, 27% had severe mental disorder with full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, 79% had at least one PTSD symptom, and 10.8% had neither PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder. Only 23.2% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced and 27.6% of these participants were forced to move three times or more due to war. Only 13.4% of the responders did not believe that the crisis was the reason for their distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off of work or school due to negative feelings and have somatic symptoms. Moreover, low levels of education, low socioeconomic status, chronic medical conditions, war variables for example distress caused by war noises, changing place of living due to war were all associated with high distress and the presence of PTSD symptoms in this study. Strong significant correlation (r=0.623) was found between SPTSS and k10 score. Conclusion: The conflict in Syria has left the country’s population at great risk of psychological and mental distress. Drastic measures are required to save an entire population from permanent psychological suffering.

scholarly journals Mental Distress and Psychological Disorders Related to COVID-19 Mandatory Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Ammar Fadel ◽  
Leen Makki ◽  
Ayham Ghareeb ◽  
Ragheed Al Zohbi
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Severe Mental Disorder ◽  
Ability To Work ◽  
Smoking Patterns ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Reducing Stress

Background: Lockdown restrictions due to COVID-19 have affected many people's lifestyles and ability to earn a living. They add further distress to the lives of people in Syria, who have already endured 9 years of war. This study evaluates distress and the major causes of concerns related to COVID-19 during the full lockdown.Methods: Online questionnaires were distributed using SPTSS, K10, and MSPSS which were used with other demographic, war- and COVID-19-related questions that were taken from The (CRISIS) V0.1 Adult Self-Report Baseline Form.Results: Our sample included 5,588 with the mean age of 26.84 ± 7.815 years. Of those, only one case of COVID-19 was confirmed. Over 42.7% had two or more positive PTSD symptoms, 42.6% had moderate or severe mental disorder, but only 14.9% had low social support. Higher PTSD and K10 scores overall were seen in female participants and with most of war variables (P < 0.05). Relationships with the partner being negatively affected and distress from a decline in ability to work and provide food were the most prominent.Conclusions: The indirect effects of COVID-19 are far more than that of the pathogen itself. A reduced ability to earn and to provide food were the main concerns indicated in this study. Relationships deteriorated in participants with high K10 and PTSD scores who also had more symptoms and used more hypnotics in the last four weeks. Smoking patterns were not related to K10 and PTSD. Social support played a role in reducing stress, but when relationships were affected, lower support was observed.

scholarly journals Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Effect of Disease and Psychosocial-Related Correlates on Health-Related Quality of Life

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Wasif Gillani ◽  
Irfan Altaf Ansari ◽  
Hisham A. Zaghloul ◽  
Mohi Iqbal Mohammad Abdul ◽  
Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Health Perception ◽  
Diabetes Distress ◽  
Dependent Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Related

Background. This study is aimed at investigating the various disease-specific and health-related psychosocial concepts of HRQOL among insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and understanding the gender differences in HRQOL among IDDM patients. Methods. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted to assess the effect of health-related and psychosocial correlates on HRQOL of IDDM patients in Penang, Malaysia. The participants were recruited from five governmental diabetic clinics. Patients with insulin use only, IDDM diagnosed at least 1 year earlier, were identified from clinical registers. The sample was then age stratified for 20–64 years, and severe complications (e.g., end-stage renal failure, hemodialysis, and liver cirrhosis) were excluded; a total of 1003 participants were enrolled in the study. Multivariate regression analysis was used to predict the response. Results. A total of 853 (100%) participants were enrolled and completed the study. Women exhibited significantly higher/better mental health (p<0.013) and health perception scores (p<0.001) despite high prevalence of impaired role (49.2%), social (24.2%), and physical (40.5%) functionings as compared to men. Women with longer diabetes exposure and uncontrolled glycemic levels (HbA1c) have poorer HRQOL. Availability of social support showed no significant association with either HRQOL or diabetes distress levels. Diabetes distress levels remained not associated with social support. Women also showed significantly higher association with health perception (15% versus 13% men, p<0.001) and mental health (13% versus 11% men, p<0.001) in diabetes-specific psychosocial factors. Thus, among women alone, diabetes-related specific and psychosocial factors explained 15% and 13% of variations in HRQOL extents, respectively. Conclusion. Women exhibit extensive and significant patterns with health-related factors and diabetes-specific psychosocial factors (self-efficacy, social support, and DLC) to improve HRQOL. Also, women have significantly high reported distress levels and low social functioning compared to men.

scholarly journals Childhood abuse and its association with adults’ mental health problems: a cross-sectional study among men and women in the Yangon Region of Myanmar

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e045870
Author(s):  
Win Thuzar Aye ◽  
Lars Lien ◽  
Hein Stigum ◽  
Espen Bjertness
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Childhood Abuse ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Adult Mental Health

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of emotional, physical and sexual childhood abuse, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to examine the association between childhood abuse and adult mental health problems, including mental distress and PTSD symptoms.DesignA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Childhood abuse was assessed with the NorVold Abuse Questionnaire, and mental distress and symptoms of PTSD were measured using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist 10 and the Impact of Event Scale—Revised, respectively. The Wald test and multiple linear regression analysis were applied for testing differences between proportions and the association between childhood abuse and adult mental health outcomes, respectively.SettingUrban and rural areas of the Yangon Region, Myanmar.ParticipantsA total of 2377 men and women aged 18–49 years were included. Institutionalised people, monks, nuns and individuals deemed too ill physically and/or mentally to participate were excluded.ResultsOverall, 21.1% (95% CI 18.8 to 23.6) reported any form of childhood abuse, 10.4% (95% CI 8.9 to 12.4) physical abuse, 10.4% (95% CI 8.8 to 12.2) emotional abuse and 7.3% (95% CI 5.7 to 9.3) sexual abuse. Childhood abuse was more common in women (29.8%) than in men (12.4%). The prevalence of PTSD symptoms in the total sample was 6.6%. After adjusting for confounding variables, positive associations were found between childhood abuse with adult mental distress and PTSD symptoms among women and older men.ConclusionsChildhood abuse is prevalent among both men and women in the Yangon Region of Myanmar and associated with adult mental health problems. Approximately 7% of people report PTSD symptoms. It should prompt local health professionals and policy makers to establish prevention programmes to eliminate violence against children and to organise services for victims of childhood abuse. Care should be taken in generalising findings for less populated areas.

scholarly journals Mental Distress in Rural Areas of Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azam David Saifullah ◽  
Nur Latifah ◽  
Eria Riski Artanti ◽  
Kadek Dewi Cahyani ◽  
Umi Rahayu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
National Level ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Elderly Male ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: There is a higher prevalence of mental distress in rural areas compared to urban areas in Indonesia. The rural areas of Indonesia have various socio-demographic and sophisticated cultural characteristics, but less exposed to foreign cultures. Thus, the study about the prevalence, associated factors, and predictors of mental distress in rural areas is necessary.Purpose: This study aimed to identify the population's status and related factors of mental distress in rural areas in Indonesia.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to achieve the aims of the study. An Indonesian version of the Self-Rated Questionnaire, consisting of 20 items, was used to measure mental distress status of population in rural areas in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A number of 872 records were included and analyzed using both univariate and bivariate analyses in this study.Results: The prevalence of mental distress in this population was 6%. The correlated factors of mental distress were age (χ2=6.93, p=0.01), gender (χ2=0.07, p=0.03), occupation (χ2=0.26, p=0.02), housing dimension (χ2=5.45, p=0.02), and illness status (χ2=0.01, p<0.01).Conclusion: The prevalence of mental distress in rural areas of Indonesia is relatively lower than that of the national level. Future mental health programs may be focused on improving mental health on the elderly, male, vulnerable workers, overcrowded housing, and people who got a chronic illness.

scholarly journals A socio-ecological analysis of risk, protective and promotive factors for the mental health of Burundian refugee children living in refugee camps

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Scharpf ◽  
Getrude Mkinga ◽  
Faustine Bwire Masath ◽  
Tobias Hecker
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Prosocial Behavior ◽  
Externalizing Problems ◽  
Refugee Children ◽  
Refugee Camps ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Refugee Youth ◽  
Promotive Factors

Abstract Children and adolescents’ mental health risk and resilience arise from a complex interplay of factors on several socio-ecological levels. However, little is known about the factors that shape the mental health of refugee youth living in refugee camps close to ongoing conflict. We conducted a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 217 Burundian refugee children aged 7–15 and their mothers residing in refugee camps in Tanzania to investigate associations between risk, protective and promotive factors from various ecological levels (individual, microsystem, exosystem), and children’s post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, internalizing and externalizing problems, and prosocial behavior. Data were collected using structured clinical interviews and analyzed using multiple regression models. Exposure to violence across all contexts and engagement coping were risk factors for PTSD symptoms and internalizing problems, while only violence by mothers seemed to increase children’s vulnerability for externalizing problems. A differential impact of violence exposures on prosocial behavior was observed. Higher-quality friendships appeared to protect youth from PTSD symptoms and externalizing problems, while they also promoted children’s prosocial behavior, just as mothers’ social support networks. Prevention and intervention approaches should integrate risk, protective and promotive factors for refugee youth’s mental health across multiple ecological contexts and take into account context-specific and adaptive responses to war and displacement.

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