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The impact of conflict on children: the Palestinian experience

S Qouta1, J Odeb

  • 1Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, PO Box 1049, Gaza City, Gaza Strip, Palestine. samir@gcmbp.net

The Journal of Ambulatory Care Management
|February 3, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Palestinian children in the West Bank and Gaza Strip face widespread violence, leading to injuries, deaths, and significant physical and mental health issues. Malnutrition and high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prevalent, especially in conflict zones.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Trauma Studies

Background:

  • The West Bank and Gaza Strip have experienced pervasive violence since September 28, 2000.
  • This conflict has resulted in a high number of casualties and injuries among the Palestinian population.
  • Children in this region face unique vulnerabilities due to the ongoing conflict and disadvantaged circumstances.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the physical and mental health impact of violence on Palestinian children.
  • To quantify the prevalence of malnutrition and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children in the affected areas.

Main Methods:

  • Data collection on injuries and fatalities from September 28, 2000, to October 31, 2003.
  • Assessment of physical health, specifically malnutrition rates in children.
  • Evaluation of mental health disorders, focusing on PTSD levels in children, with a distinction between general and "hot" conflict areas.

Main Results:

  • Over 51,000 Palestinians injured and 2,700 killed during the study period.
  • 10% of Palestinian children suffer from moderate to severe malnutrition.
  • High prevalence of PTSD in children: 33% acute, 49% moderate, 15.6% low levels. In "hot" areas, acute PTSD rises to 55%.

Conclusions:

  • The ongoing violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has severe physical and mental health consequences for children.
  • Malnutrition and high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are significant public health concerns for Palestinian children.
  • Children in "hot" conflict zones exhibit even higher levels of acute PTSD, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.

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