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Prevalence and determinants of PTSD among Palestinian children exposed to military violence

Samir Qouta1, Raija-Leena Punamäki, Eyad El Sarraj

  • 1Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, PO Box 1049, Gaza City, Palestine.

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|December 23, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Over half of Palestinian children exposed to bombardment suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Girls and younger children, particularly those with mothers experiencing PTSD, showed higher vulnerability to these trauma symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Trauma Studies
  • Middle Eastern Studies

Background:

  • Children in conflict zones face significant psychological distress.
  • Exposure to military violence is a known risk factor for pediatric mental health issues.
  • Understanding the specific determinants of PTSD in these populations is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence and identify determinants of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Palestinian children living in an area of bombardment.
  • To examine the influence of gender, age, maternal education, and exposure to violence on children's PTSD symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 121 Palestinian children (ages 6-16) and their mothers.
  • Data collection included self-reports and maternal reports on exposure to military violence and PTSD symptoms (intrusion, avoidance, hypervigilance).
  • Statistical analysis was used to determine the prevalence and significant factors associated with PTSD.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of PTSD was found, with 54% of children experiencing severe symptoms.
  • Girls exhibited greater vulnerability, with 58% suffering from severe PTSD.
  • Child's gender, age, maternal education, and maternal PTSD symptoms were significant determinants; traumatic experiences were marginally significant.

Conclusions:

  • Military violence significantly impacts children's mental health, leading to high rates of PTSD.
  • Specific subgroups, like younger girls with mothers experiencing PTSD, are particularly vulnerable to intrusion symptoms.
  • Interventions must consider the family context and the impact of violence on protective familial functions.

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