Unseen repercussions of war: psychological effects on Jordanians during the Israeli Palestinian war

People residing in war zones have direct exposure to trauma. In contrast, people living in nearby countries have indirect exposure to trauma and can develop negative psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression or stress.

This study aimed to study the mental ill effects of the war on people living in a neighbouring country to a war zone.

A cross-sectional study of 568 community adults >18 years old who live in Jordan was conducted 1-2 months after the Israeli-Palestinian conflict erupted in October 2023. The online survey, spread through social media accounts, included the Depression Anxiety & Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21) and questions about socio-demographic factors and measures to improve emotional status.

The mean age was 34.49 ± 12.75. 81.2%, 55.8% and 61.3% of the participants screened positive for depression, anxiety and stress, respectively, with 44.4%, 28.5%, and 32.9% of them having severe to extreme degrees of depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. Female gender, past anxiolytic treatment and daily time spent watching the news were positive predictors of depression, anxiety and stress. Knowing acquaintances in the war zone or living in a refugee camp were not predictors of psychological symptoms. Spirituality was the most commonly used coping strategy, yet talking to family and friends was the only coping strategy significantly associated with a better emotional state.

People living near conflicts often experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress regardless of having acquaintances under direct conflict. High-risk groups include females, patients with past anxiolytic self-treatment, and those with long daily exposure to war-related media content. Emotional screening and support by trained healthcare workers to identify early signs of depression, anxiety and stress are warranted.