Cost of War: Exploring Trauma in the North African Countries Affected by Armed Conflict

This study investigates the mental health impacts of war in Libya, with a focus on the prevalence and severity of PTSD symptoms. It aims to understand how PTSD manifests across different sociodemographic groups, examining symptoms such as re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal. The research sampled 652 individuals aged 18 to 65 from various Libyan cities, using electronic questionnaires over 18 months. Results indicate significant differences in PTSD symptoms by gender, with women reporting more avoidance symptoms than men. Additionally, individuals in major conflict zones exhibited more severe re-experiencing and avoidance symptoms compared with those in less affected areas. The study also found that highly educated individuals showed higher levels of hyperarousal, which suggests a complex relationship between education level and stress responses. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive social work interventions in mental health tailored to the diverse needs of different demographic groups. Such interventions should leverage local resources and traditional family institutions to enhance resilience and recovery. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted social work interventions in postconflict scenarios to facilitate long-term societal integration and peace building in regions dealing with the psychological aftermath of conflict.