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

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.

Download Full-text

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

10.21203/rs.3.rs-19902/v4 ◽

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

Download Full-text

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

10.21203/rs.3.rs-19902/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

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.

Download Full-text

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

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-020-03002-3 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

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

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2021.696 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

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 ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045870 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

Elucidating Mental Health Disorders among Rohingya Refugees: A Malaysian Perspective

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17186730 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (18) ◽

pp. 6730

Author(s):

Kushilpal Kaur ◽

Ahmad Hatim Sulaiman ◽

Chee Kok Yoon ◽

Aili Hanim Hashim ◽

Manveen Kaur ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Religious Orientation ◽

Mental Health Disorders ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Disorders

Mental health disorders (MHDs) among refugees has been recognized as a major public health issue. However, to date, there is limited evidence on the prevalence of MHDs among Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. A total of 220 refugees were randomly selected to participate in this cross-sectional study, conducted from June 2019 to November 2019. Perceived social support, religious orientation, food security, and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed as independent variables. The dependent variables assessed were MDD, GAD, and PTSD. The prevalence of GAD, PTSD, and MDD was reported at 92 (41.8%), 84 (38.2%), and 71 (32.3%). Several factors were significantly associated with MDD following multivariate analysis such as perceived low to moderate social support (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI 1.13, 4.19) and food insecurity (AOR = 2.77; 95% CI 1.19, 6.47). Exposure to violence (AOR = 38.46; 95% CI 16.27, 90.91) and food insecurity (AOR = 3.74; 95% CI 1.41, 9.91) were significantly associated with PTSD. Addressing these risk factors could be key in improving mental health outcomes among this vulnerable population.

Download Full-text

The Prevalence of Mental Distress and Social Support among University Students in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182111622 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (21) ◽

pp. 11622

Author(s):

Sawsan M. A. Abuhamdah ◽

Abdallah Y. Naser ◽

Ghada Mohammad Abdelwahab ◽

Ahmad AlQatawneh

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Health Services ◽

University Students ◽

Low Income ◽

Mental Distress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Self Reporting Questionnaire

Objectives: To examine the prevalence of mental distress among university students in Jordan. Methods: An online cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted between 12th of June and the 4th of August 2021 in Jordan to measure student mental stress using Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20). Results: A total of 1063 university students participated in the study. One-third of the participating students reported that they had a history of COVID-19 infection. More than half of the participating university students (65.7%) were found to have mental distress (measured symptomatically by the SRQ-20 with a score of eight or more). The average mental distress score was 9.8 (SD: 5.5) out of 20. Female students, students from non-medical colleges, students in their last years of study, students with chronic diseases and those with low income were associated with high levels of mental distress (p < 0.05). With regards to social support, a moderate level of social support was received from three sources: persons considered as significant others, family members, and friends. The average social support score for the participating university students was 41.9 (SD: 10.3) out of 60 (equivalent to 69.8%). Conclusions: Mental distress is prevalent among university students in Jordan. There is a need for evidence-based governmental strategies and interventions that provide social support at universities such as self-help measures and professional mental health services as part of student health services that would be helpful to reduce the burden of mental distress of students and promote the mission of the integration of mental health in all university policies.

Download Full-text

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

10.21203/rs.3.rs-19902/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

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.

Download Full-text