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Dopelt K, Houminer-Klepar N. War-Related Stress among Israeli College Students Following 7 October 2023 Terror Attack in Israel. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2024; 14:2175-2186. [PMID: 39194939 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe14080145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Warfare represents a significant source of stress in contemporary times, with enduring implications beyond the immediate casualties, fostering a pervasive atmosphere of danger and anxiety within affected populations. The Israel-Hamas war, marked by ongoing armed incursions and missile attacks, stands as a recent example of such turmoil, inflicting widespread trauma and disruption. METHODS This study, conducted among students at the Ashkelon Academic College in southern Israel, aimed to investigate the stress levels and associated factors amidst the ongoing conflict. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 625 participants between January and February 2024, approximately four months after the commencement of the initial attack. The survey encompassed demographic information, perceived stress levels, sleep quality, and social media usage. RESULTS The findings revealed moderate to high stress levels among participants, with significant differences observed based on gender, parental status, and residency in conflict zones. Moreover, poorer sleep quality was reported among students residing in conflict-affected areas. Regression analysis identified several predictors of elevated stress, including gender, parental status, sleep quality, residency in conflict zones, and social media usage. CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the profound impact of ongoing conflict on college students' mental well-being, highlighting the need for tailored interventions and support services within higher education institutions. The limitations include the study's focus on a specific college population and the timing of the data collection relative to the onset of the war. Nonetheless, this research contributes valuable insights concerning the stress dynamics within the unique context faced by Israeli students amidst ongoing warfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Dopelt
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon 78211, Israel
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Ahmed SH, Zakai A, Zahid M, Jawad MY, Fu R, Chaiton M. Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and depressive symptoms among civilians residing in armed conflict-affected regions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gen Psychiatr 2024; 37:e101438. [PMID: 38881616 PMCID: PMC11177673 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2023-101438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, populations afflicted by armed conflict are known to have high rates of mental health disorders. Aims This meta-analysis aims to estimate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms among civilians residing in armed conflict-affected regions. Methods This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A literature search employing MEDLINE(R), Embase Classic+Embase, APA PsycINFO, Ovid Healthstar, Journal@Ovid Full Text, Cochrane, PTSDpubs and CINAHL was conducted from inception until 19 March 2024 to identify relevant studies. Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies, and a Comprehensive Meta-Analysis was used to conduct the statistical analysis. Results The search yielded 38 595 articles, of which 57 were considered eligible for inclusion. The included studies comprised data from 64 596 participants. We estimated a prevalence of 23.70% (95% CI 19.50% to 28.40%) for PTSD symptoms and 25.60% (95% CI 20.70% to 31.10%) for depressive features among war-afflicted civilians. The subgroup analysis based on time since the war and the country's economic status revealed the highest prevalence for both PTSD and depressive symptoms was present during the years of war and in low/middle-income countries. Conclusions The results of this study provide conclusive evidence of the detrimental impacts of armed conflict on mental health outcomes. Hence, it is crucial to emphasise the significance of both physical and mental health in the aftermath of war and take appropriate humanistic measures to overcome challenges in the management of psychiatric illnesses. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023416096.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aabia Zakai
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Maha Zahid
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Youshay Jawad
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rui Fu
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Chaiton
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Mental Health Policy Research, The Center of Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Khaled SM, Amro I, Bader L, Lee Holmes J, Diop A, Le Trung K. Feasibility of replacing face-to-face with telephone interviews for the World Mental Health Qatar survey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2024; 33:e2009. [PMID: 38726876 PMCID: PMC11323766 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the feasibility of replacing face-to-face with telephone interviews conducted as part of the World Mental Health Qatar (WMHQ) survey and discuss the main methodological changes across the two pilots that were subsequently implemented in the full-scale WMHQ telephone survey. METHODS We assessed the net mode effect by comparing the lifetime prevalence estimates of the main mental disorder classes (mood and anxiety disorders) and a number of disorders across the two survey pilots conducted prior to and post-pandemic. RESULTS The main differences in terms of methodology for both pilots stemmed from differences in the survey mode, including questionnaire length, study recruitment method, and fielding team size and structure. These factors influenced response rates and costs. However, the lifetime prevalence estimates and other key indicators of survey results did not differ across modes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the comparability of data collected via telephone and face-to-face modes, supporting the adoption of telephone surveys for future mental health studies, particularly in the context of pandemics. They also confirm the feasibility of changing or mixing modes depending on field conditions in future psychiatric epidemiological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma M. Khaled
- Department of Population MedicineCollege of MedicineQatar UniversityDohaQatar
| | - Iman Amro
- Social and Economic Survey Research InstituteQatar UniversityDohaQatar
| | - Lina Bader
- Social and Economic Survey Research InstituteQatar UniversityDohaQatar
| | - John Lee Holmes
- Social and Economic Survey Research InstituteQatar UniversityDohaQatar
| | - Abdoulaye Diop
- Social and Economic Survey Research InstituteQatar UniversityDohaQatar
| | - Kien Le Trung
- Social and Economic Survey Research InstituteQatar UniversityDohaQatar
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Pfeiffer E, Garbade M, Sachser C. Traumatic events and posttraumatic stress symptoms in a treatment-seeking sample of Ukrainian children during the war. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:25. [PMID: 38336707 PMCID: PMC10858633 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00715-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in a dramatic increase of children and adolescents being confronted with war and other traumatic experiences, which could result in an increase of trauma-related mental health disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in an entire generation. This study aims at reporting the prevalence of traumatic events, PTSD, and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) in children and adolescents seeking for mental health treatment since the Russian invasion. Additionally, the consistency of child and caregiver reported trauma, PTSD and CPTSD will be examined. METHODS This study is part of the "TF-CBT Ukraine" project in which Ukrainian therapists were trained in assessing their patients via the "Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen" (CATS-2) before initiating trauma-focused treatment, if indicated. Altogether N = 200 Ukrainian children and adolescents (Mage = 12.01, range 4-21; 62.0% female) were included in the study between October 2022 and August 2023. Data were analysed descriptively, via t-tests and bivariate correlations. RESULTS The children and adolescents reported on average four different traumatic events, most frequently war (n = 123; 68.7%), bullying threats (n = 71; 39.7%) and domestic violence (n = 68; 38.0%). Almost 70% (n = 123) of the participants fulfilled the DSM-5 PTSD criteria, 31% (n = 56) fulfilled the ICD-11 PTSD criteria and 21% (n = 38) the ICD-11 CPTSD criteria. Rates of PTSD were even higher in preschool children (95%). The comparisons of self-and caregiver reports on traumatic events and PTSD/CPTSD severity scores indicated moderate to high correlations between the patients and their caregivers (r = 0.710-0.767). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that Ukrainian children and adolescents starting treatment report a high number of traumatic events and trauma-related symptoms, which could have a long-lasting negative impact on their social-emotional development and quality of life. The implementation of evidence-based trauma-focused interventions for these children is therefore crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pfeiffer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/ Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Steinhoevelstr. 2, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Maike Garbade
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/ Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Steinhoevelstr. 2, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Cedric Sachser
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/ Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Steinhoevelstr. 2, 89075, Ulm, Germany
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Ahmed DR, Heun R. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among Yazidi people results from ISIS invasion and consecutive trauma: A systematic review. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 88:103703. [PMID: 37517332 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Yazidi community is a Kurdish minority of the population that lives mainly in Iraq. In history, they suffered from many problems and disasters, including the most recent brutal invasion by ISIS, which significantly impacted their mental health. AIMS Our objective is to examine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among Yazidi people resulting from the invasion of ISIS in 2014. METHODS A systematic review was performed using the PRISMA protocol. 252 publications were initially identified in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords. Finally, 23 full articles were included for data extraction. The inclusion criteria were English papers that investigated Yazidi's psychiatric problems, regardless of gender, or age. However, letters to editors, systematic reviews, and studies that examine general physical health were excluded. RESULTS A total of 252 publications were identified; 217 were assessed for eligibility, of which 23 studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the present systematic review. According to the findings, the Yazidi people were severely affected by persecution, forced migration, massacres, and ISIS violence in the recent period and suffered from a variety of mental and psychiatric problems. The most prevalent mental disorders among Yazidi people of all ages and sexes are PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders. CONCLUSION This study indicates that the Yazidi minority is a traumatized population. According to the results of the current systematic review, the Yazidi have suffered from a variety of mental and psychological disorders, most commonly PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Eventually, addressing these challenges should be prioritized to improve the quality of life of Yazidis through implications for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya Rostam Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Science and Health, Koya University, Koya KOY45, Kurdistan Region - F.R. Iraq.
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Axinn WG, Bruffaerts R, Kessler TL, Frounfelker R, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Alonso J, Bunting B, Caldas-de-Almeida JM, Cardoso G, Chardoul S, Chiu WT, Cía A, Gureje O, Karam EG, Kovess-Masfety V, Petukhova MV, Piazza M, Posada-Villa J, Sampson NA, Scott KM, Stagnaro JC, Stein DJ, Torres Y, Williams DR, Kessler RC. Findings From the World Mental Health Surveys of Civil Violence Exposure and Its Association With Subsequent Onset and Persistence of Mental Disorders. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2318919. [PMID: 37338903 PMCID: PMC10282884 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.18919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Understanding the association of civil violence with mental disorders is important for developing effective postconflict recovery policies. Objective To estimate the association between exposure to civil violence and the subsequent onset and persistence of common mental disorders (in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition [DSM-IV]) in representative surveys of civilians from countries that have experienced civil violence since World War II. Design, Setting, and Participants This study used data from cross-sectional World Health Organization World Mental Health (WMH) surveys administered to households between February 5, 2001, and January 5, 2022, in 7 countries that experienced periods of civil violence after World War II (Argentina, Colombia, Lebanon, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Peru, and South Africa). Data from respondents in other WMH surveys who immigrated from countries with civil violence in Africa and Latin America were also included. Representative samples comprised adults (aged ≥18 years) from eligible countries. Data analysis was performed from February 10 to 13, 2023. Exposures Exposure was defined as a self-report of having been a civilian in a war zone or region of terror. Related stressors (being displaced, witnessing atrocities, or being a combatant) were also assessed. Exposures occurred a median of 21 (IQR, 12-30) years before the interview. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was the retrospectively reported lifetime prevalence and 12-month persistence (estimated by calculating 12-month prevalence among lifetime cases) of DSM-IV anxiety, mood, and externalizing (alcohol use, illicit drug use, or intermittent explosive) disorders. Results This study included 18 212 respondents from 7 countries. Of these individuals, 2096 reported that they were exposed to civil violence (56.5% were men; median age, 40 [IQR, 30-52] years) and 16 116 were not exposed (45.2% were men; median age, 35 [IQR, 26-48] years). Respondents who reported being exposed to civil violence had a significantly elevated onset risk of anxiety (risk ratio [RR], 1.8 [95% CI, 1.5-2.1]), mood (RR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.3-1.7]), and externalizing (RR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.3-1.9]) disorders. Combatants additionally had a significantly elevated onset risk of anxiety disorders (RR, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.3-3.1]) and refugees had an increased onset risk of mood (RR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.1-2.0]) and externalizing (RR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.0-2.4]) disorders. Elevated disorder onset risks persisted for more than 2 decades if conflicts persisted but not after either termination of hostilities or emigration. Persistence (ie, 12-month prevalence among respondents with lifetime prevalence of the disorder), in comparison, was generally not associated with exposure. Conclusions In this survey study of exposure to civil violence, exposure was associated with an elevated risk of mental disorders among civilians for many years after initial exposure. These findings suggest that policy makers should recognize these associations when projecting future mental disorder treatment needs in countries experiencing civil violence and among affected migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ronny Bruffaerts
- Universitair Psychiatrisch Centrum–Katholieke Universiteit, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Timothy L. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rochelle Frounfelker
- Department of Community and Population Health, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
| | - Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola
- Center for Reducing Health Disparities, University of California, Davis Health System, Sacramento
| | - Jordi Alonso
- Health Services Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Epidemiology and Public Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Brendan Bunting
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - José Miguel Caldas-de-Almeida
- Lisbon Institute of Global Mental Health and Comprehensive Health Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Graça Cardoso
- Lisbon Institute of Global Mental Health and Comprehensive Health Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Wai Tat Chiu
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alfredo Cía
- Anxiety Disorders Research Center, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Oye Gureje
- Department of Psychiatry, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Elie G. Karam
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Maria V. Petukhova
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marina Piazza
- Instituto Nacional de Salud, Universidad Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - José Posada-Villa
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca University, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Nancy A. Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kate M. Scott
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Juan Carlos Stagnaro
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dan J. Stein
- South African Medical Council Research Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yolanda Torres
- Center for Excellence on Research in Mental Health, CES University, Medellín, Colombia
| | - David R. Williams
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Kurapov A, Danyliuk I, Loboda A, Kalaitzaki A, Kowatsch T, Klimash T, Predko V. Six months into the war: a first-wave study of stress, anxiety, and depression among in Ukraine. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1190465. [PMID: 37234208 PMCID: PMC10206008 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1190465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study examines the prevalence and predictors of mental health issues, specifically anxiety, depression, and stress, among Ukrainians during the military conflict with Russia. Method A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted six months after the beginning of the conflict. Sociodemographic factors, traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, and stress were assessed. The study included 706 participants, both men and women, from different age groups and living in various regions of Ukraine. The data were collected from August till October 2022. Results The study found that a large portion of the Ukrainian population shows increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress due to the war. Women were found to be more vulnerable to mental health issues than men, and younger people were found to be more resilient. Worsened financial and employment statuses predicted increased anxiety. Ukrainians who fled the conflict to other countries exhibited higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Direct exposure to trauma predicted increased anxiety and depression, while war-related exposure to "other stressful events" predicted increased acute stress levels. Conclusion The findings of this study highlight the importance of addressing the mental health needs of Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict. Interventions and support should be tailored to address the specific needs of different groups, particularly women, younger individuals, and those with worsened financial and employment statuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Kurapov
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Ivan Danyliuk
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Andrii Loboda
- Institute of Medicine, Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Argyroula Kalaitzaki
- Department of Social Work, Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Enhancement of Quality of Life, Health Sciences Faculty, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Crete, Greece
| | - Tobias Kowatsch
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tamara Klimash
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Viktoriia Predko
- Department of General Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Taras Shevchenko National university of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Parcesepe AM, Filiatreau LM, Ebasone PV, Dzudie A, Pence BW, Wainberg M, Yotebieng M, Anastos K, Pefura-Yone E, Nsame D, Ajeh R, Nash D. Prevalence of potentially traumatic events and symptoms of depression, anxiety, hazardous alcohol use, and post-traumatic stress disorder among people with HIV initiating HIV care in Cameroon. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:150. [PMID: 36894918 PMCID: PMC9996899 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04630-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explored the relationship between specific types of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and symptoms of mental health disorders among people with HIV (PWH) in Cameroon. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study with 426 PWH in Cameroon between 2019-2020. Multivariable log binominal regression was used to estimate the association between exposure (yes/no) to six distinct types of PTE and symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score > 9), PTSD (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 score > 30), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale score > 9), and hazardous alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score > 7 for men; > 6 for women). RESULTS A majority of study participants (96%) reported exposure to at least one PTE, with a median of 4 PTEs (interquartile range: 2-5). The most commonly reported PTEs were seeing someone seriously injured or killed (45%), family members hitting or harming one another as a child (43%), physical assault or abuse from an intimate partner (42%) and witnessing physical assault or abuse (41%). In multivariable analyses, the prevalence of PTSD symptoms was significantly higher among those who reported experiencing PTEs during childhood, violent PTEs during adulthood, and the death of a child. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was significantly higher among those who reported experiencing both PTEs during childhood and violent PTEs during adulthood. No significant positive associations were observed between specific PTEs explored and symptoms of depression or hazardous alcohol use after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS PTEs were common among this sample of PWH in Cameroon and associated with PTSD and anxiety symptoms. Research is needed to foster primary prevention of PTEs and to address the mental health sequelae of PTEs among PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Parcesepe
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Lindsey M Filiatreau
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Anastase Dzudie
- Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Brian W Pence
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Milton Wainberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology & Population Health, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Denis Nsame
- Bamenda Regional Hospital, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Rogers Ajeh
- Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Chudzicka-Czupała A, Hapon N, Chiang SK, Żywiołek-Szeja M, Karamushka L, Lee CT, Grabowski D, Paliga M, Rosenblat JD, Ho R, McIntyre RS, Chen YL. Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress during the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war, a comparison between populations in Poland, Ukraine, and Taiwan. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3602. [PMID: 36869035 PMCID: PMC9982762 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28729-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ukraine has been embroiled in an increasing war since February 2022. In addition to Ukrainians, the Russo-Ukraine war has affected Poles due to the refugee crisis and the Taiwanese, who are facing a potential crisis with China. We examined the mental health status and associated factors in Ukraine, Poland, and Taiwan. The data will be used for future reference as the war is still ongoing. From March 8 to April 26, 2022, we conducted an online survey using snowball sampling techniques in Ukraine, Poland, and Taiwan. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress (DASS)-21 item scale; post-traumatic stress symptoms by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and coping strategies by the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE). We used multivariate linear regression to identify factors significantly associated with DASS-21 and IES-R scores. There were 1626 participants (Poland: 1053; Ukraine: 385; Taiwan: 188) in this study. Ukrainian participants reported significantly higher DASS-21 (p < 0.001) and IES-R (p < 0.01) scores than Poles and Taiwanese. Although Taiwanese participants were not directly involved in the war, their mean IES-R scores (40.37 ± 16.86) were only slightly lower than Ukrainian participants (41.36 ± 14.94). Taiwanese reported significantly higher avoidance scores (1.60 ± 0.47) than the Polish (0.87 ± 0.53) and Ukrainian (0.91 ± 0.5) participants (p < 0.001). More than half of the Taiwanese (54.3%) and Polish (80.3%) participants were distressed by the war scenes in the media. More than half (52.5%) of the Ukrainian participants would not seek psychological help despite a significantly higher prevalence of psychological distress. Multivariate linear regression analyses found that female gender, Ukrainian and Polish citizenship, household size, self-rating health status, past psychiatric history, and avoidance coping were significantly associated with higher DASS-21 and IES-R scores after adjustment of other variables (p < 0.05). We have identified mental health sequelae in Ukrainian, Poles, and Taiwanese with the ongoing Russo-Ukraine war. Risk factors associated with developing depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress symptoms include female gender, self-rating health status, past psychiatric history, and avoidance coping. Early resolution of the conflict, online mental health interventions, delivery of psychotropic medications, and distraction techniques may help to improve the mental health of people who stay inside and outside Ukraine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadiya Hapon
- Department of Psychology, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Soon-Kiat Chiang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 9, NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Marta Żywiołek-Szeja
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Katowice, Poland
| | - Liudmyla Karamushka
- G. S. Kostiuk Institute of Psychology, National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Charlotte T Lee
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 9, NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Damian Grabowski
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Katowice, Poland
| | - Mateusz Paliga
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Joshua D Rosenblat
- Braxia Scientific Corp, University of Toronto, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roger Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 9, NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yi-Lung Chen
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Carpiniello B. The Mental Health Costs of Armed Conflicts-A Review of Systematic Reviews Conducted on Refugees, Asylum-Seekers and People Living in War Zones. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2840. [PMID: 36833537 PMCID: PMC9957523 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Armed conflicts produce a wide series of distressing consequences, including death, all of which impact negatively on the lives of survivors. This paper focuses specifically on the mental health consequences of war on adults and child/adolescent refugees or those living in war zones through a review of all systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses published from 2005 up until the current time. RESULTS Fifteen systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses conducted in adult populations, and seven relating to children and adolescents, were selected for the purpose of this review. Prevalence rates of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were two- to three-fold higher amongst people exposed to armed conflict compared to those who had not been exposed, with women and children being the most vulnerable to the outcome of armed conflicts. A series of war-related, migratory and post-migratory stressors contribute to short- and long-term mental health issues in the internally displaced, asylum seekers and refugees. CONCLUSION It should be a required social responsibility for all psychiatrists and psychiatric associations to commit to raising awareness amongst political decision-makers as to the mental health consequences caused by armed conflicts, as part of their duty of care for people experiencing the consequences of war.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari & Psychiatric Unit, University Hospital, 09127 Cagliari, Italy
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11
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Hoppen TH, Priebe S, Vetter I, Morina N. Global burden of post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression in countries affected by war between 1989 and 2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-006303. [PMID: 34321235 PMCID: PMC8319986 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Extensive research has demonstrated high prevalences of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (MD) in war-surviving populations. However, absolute estimates are lacking, which may additionally inform policy making, research and healthcare. We aimed at estimating the absolute global prevalence and disease burden of adult survivors of recent wars (1989–2019) affected by PTSD and/or MD. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search and meta-analysis of interview-based epidemiological surveys assessing the prevalence of PTSD and/or MD in representative samples from countries with a recent war history (1989–2019). Drawing on the war definition and geo-referenced data of the Uppsala Conflict Database Programme and population estimates of the United Nations for 2019, we extrapolated the meta-analytic results to absolute global numbers of affected people. Drawing on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) data of the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019, we further calculated the PTSD-associated and MD-associated DALYs. Results Twenty-two surveys (N=15 420) for PTSD, 13 surveys for MD (N=9836) and six surveys on the comorbidity of PTSD and MD (N=1131) were included. Random effects meta-analyses yielded point prevalences of 26.51% for PTSD and 23.31% for MD. Of those affected by PTSD, 55.26% presented with comorbid MD. Prevalence rates were not significantly associated with war intensity and length, time since war, response rate or survey quality. The extrapolation yielded 316 million adult war-survivors globally who suffered from PTSD and/or MD in 2019. War-survivors were almost exclusively living in low/middle-income countries (LMICs) and carried a burden of 3 105 387 and 4 083 950 DALYs associated with PTSD and MD, respectively. Conclusions Since LMICs lack sufficient funding and qualified professionals to provide evidence-based psychological treatments for such large numbers of affected people, alternative and scalable strategies using existing resources in primary care and communities are required. Research is required to assist upscaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thole H Hoppen
- Institute of Psychology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Priebe
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Inja Vetter
- Institute of Psychology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nexhmedin Morina
- Institute of Psychology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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12
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Shrira A, Maytles R, Frenkel-Yosef M. Suffering from infectious diseases during the Holocaust relates to amplified psychological reactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 130:421-423. [PMID: 32891917 PMCID: PMC7447617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Shrira
- The Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Ruth Maytles
- The Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel,The Nini Czopp Association, Natanya, Israel
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13
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Kameg BN. Management of mental health conditions in refugee youth: An overview for the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING 2019; 32:179-186. [PMID: 31523884 DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
TOPIC In 2017, there were a total of 70 million forcibly displaced individuals or refugees, worldwide. Unfortunately, over 50% of refugees are under the age of 18 years. Refugee youth are at-risk for a variety of mental health conditions. PURPOSE The purpose of this report is to provide psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) with an understanding of unique cultural implications in refugee youth, risk factors towards the development of psychiatric illness, and means to identify those at-risk for sequelae or those meeting diagnostic criteria. Also presented are foundational treatment and management implications to ensure the provision of culturally sensitive and efficacious care to this unique population. SOURCES USED Utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, a literature review was conducted to identify relevant publications pertaining to mental health issues in refugee youth spanning from 2013 to present. Reference lists of identified articles were also searched. CONCLUSIONS A variety of risk and protective factors are discussed, spanning from premigration, during flight, and postsettling periods. PMHNPs must be proficient in screening and diagnosis of mental health conditions in refugee youth and implementation of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. PMHNPs must also be well versed in community-based resources that can be utilized to promote optimal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brayden N Kameg
- Department of Health and Community Systems, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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