The prevalence and distribution of traumatic events and stressors: Insights from eight countries

Traumatic events and life stressors play a central role in shaping population physical and mental health, yet recent global evidence on their prevalence and demographic distribution remains limited. This study examined the prevalence and demographic patterning of lifetime traumatic events and stressors over the past 12 months across eight countries. The Global Social Determinants of Health Survey (GSDS) collected cross-sectional, nationally representative data from adults aged 18 years and older in Brazil, France, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Turkey, and the United States from 2023 to 2024. Using weighted analyses and Poisson regression models, we assessed the distribution of 20 traumatic events and life stressors by age, gender, educational attainment, income, marital status, area of living, and country. The analysis included 8,198 participants. Overall, 66.7%, 95% CI [65.5%, 67.9%], of respondents reported experiencing at least one lifetime traumatic event. Compared to respondents in the United States, those in the Philippines reported the highest mean number of traumatic events, whereas those in India reported the lowest. The most frequently reported traumatic events were losing a loved one and exposure to natural disasters. In the past 12 months, 67.0%, 95% CI [65.7%, 68.2%], of respondents experienced at least one life stressor. All countries demonstrated higher mean stressor levels than the United States. Feeling alone was the most frequently reported stressor, particularly among young adults. Traumatic events and stressors are unequally distributed across countries and demographic groups, with some populations reporting higher exposure and certain experiences more prevalent among specific demographic groups.