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Alsharif A, Al Habbal O, Gabadian A, El Maamoun R, Al Faraj A, Kamr Aldin T, Haitham Aldammad O, Alkayakhi A, Al Habbal A. Behavioral difficulties and associated factors among the 'lost generation' of Syrian children and adolescents. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9286. [PMID: 38654099 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59784-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood and adolescence, vital in shaping adult life and society, are profoundly impacted during conflicts like Syria's devastating war. This study explores the prevalence of behavioral disorders in Syrian children and adolescents, examining the influence of war and family-related factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted on children aged 2-17 years at a children's outpatient clinic in Damascus, Syria. We assessed parents' quality of life, war and family-related factors, and behavioral difficulties through parental interviews using two questionnaires: the Arabic version of the Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the brief Arabic version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). 74.67% of children aged 2-4 years and 61.29% of children aged 5-17 years were experiencing behavioral difficulties, with emotional difficulties being the most prevalent ones. Children exposed to kidnapping, family losses, lack of school enrollment, and those with parents having lower education, lower socioeconomic status, and poorer quality of life exhibited higher Total SDQ scores. The high prevalence of behavioral difficulties among children and adolescents in Syria is a major concern, with both direct and indirect war-related factors contributing to this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Alsharif
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | | | - Aram Gabadian
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
- Eye Surgical Hospital, Damascus, Syria
| | | | - Alaa Al Faraj
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | | | | | | | - Aya Al Habbal
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
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Pfeiffer E, Garbade M, Sachser C. Traumatic events and posttraumatic stress symptoms in a treatment-seeking sample of Ukrainian children during the war. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:25. [PMID: 38336707 PMCID: PMC10858633 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00715-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in a dramatic increase of children and adolescents being confronted with war and other traumatic experiences, which could result in an increase of trauma-related mental health disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in an entire generation. This study aims at reporting the prevalence of traumatic events, PTSD, and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) in children and adolescents seeking for mental health treatment since the Russian invasion. Additionally, the consistency of child and caregiver reported trauma, PTSD and CPTSD will be examined. METHODS This study is part of the "TF-CBT Ukraine" project in which Ukrainian therapists were trained in assessing their patients via the "Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen" (CATS-2) before initiating trauma-focused treatment, if indicated. Altogether N = 200 Ukrainian children and adolescents (Mage = 12.01, range 4-21; 62.0% female) were included in the study between October 2022 and August 2023. Data were analysed descriptively, via t-tests and bivariate correlations. RESULTS The children and adolescents reported on average four different traumatic events, most frequently war (n = 123; 68.7%), bullying threats (n = 71; 39.7%) and domestic violence (n = 68; 38.0%). Almost 70% (n = 123) of the participants fulfilled the DSM-5 PTSD criteria, 31% (n = 56) fulfilled the ICD-11 PTSD criteria and 21% (n = 38) the ICD-11 CPTSD criteria. Rates of PTSD were even higher in preschool children (95%). The comparisons of self-and caregiver reports on traumatic events and PTSD/CPTSD severity scores indicated moderate to high correlations between the patients and their caregivers (r = 0.710-0.767). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that Ukrainian children and adolescents starting treatment report a high number of traumatic events and trauma-related symptoms, which could have a long-lasting negative impact on their social-emotional development and quality of life. The implementation of evidence-based trauma-focused interventions for these children is therefore crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pfeiffer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/ Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Steinhoevelstr. 2, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Maike Garbade
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/ Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Steinhoevelstr. 2, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Cedric Sachser
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/ Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Steinhoevelstr. 2, 89075, Ulm, Germany
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Yuan T, Li X, Liu H, Guo LL, Li JL, Xu G, Li X, Sun L, Wang C, Yang L, Zhang D, Hua Y, Lei Y, Zhang L. Community trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder in Chinese children and adolescents. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1151631. [PMID: 37867778 PMCID: PMC10587585 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1151631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An increasing number of studies have shown the association between traumatic events occurring in childhood and adolescence and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A gap remains in the literature on the epidemiology and influencing factors of traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder in communities in northern China. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of traumatic events and PTSD in communities in northern China, to explore the types of stressful traumatic events and the impact of these traumatic events on children and adolescents, and to investigate the effect of sociodemographic factors on PTSD. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 6,027 students (7-17 years old) from 6 cities in Liaoning Province, China. The sample consisted of 2,853 males (47.34%) and 3,174 females (52.66%). The Essen Trauma-Inventory for Children and Adolescents (ETI-CA) Scale was used. The ETI-CA has 5 sections, which include type of traumatic events, worst traumatic event, post-traumatic symptoms, onset, duration, burden of PTSD, and present difficulties in different areas of life. PTSD symptoms were assessed with 23 items in Part 3 of the ETI-CA. Results We found that 2,068 (34.3%) of 6,027 participants experienced trauma events and 686 (33.2%) of 2,068 reported PTSD. Among trauma-exposed youth (2,068), the sudden death of close relatives (33.9%), serious accidents (20.9%), and parental divorce (15.5%) were reported as the worst traumatic events. Studies have shown that after exposure to stressful life events, more than 30% of people feel nervous or upset (39.8%), scared (33.4%), helpless (32.6%), and about 10% have headaches (15.5%), rapid heartbeat (13.3%), and dizziness (11.8%). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that students in middle school [OR = 1.29 (1.016, 1.637)], not a student leader [OR = 0.738 (0.618, 0.881)], and their parents in single marital status significantly predicted higher PTSD prevalence the remarried [OR = 0.474 (0.252, 0.893)], married [OR = 0.42 (0.227, 0.778)]. Conclusion The present study suggests the government to train psychological counselors in schools and communities to provide emotional and psychological support, as well as the school leaders and parents to elevate adolescents' psychological suzhi. Particularly, counseling and professional support should be given to those students whose parents are single.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yuan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Xiangdong Li
- Department of Gerontology, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Student Health Center, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Lei-lei Guo
- Department of Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Jin-long Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety for Coal Industry in Hebei Province, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Guang Xu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Lu Sun
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Congzhi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Hua
- Rehabilitation Nursing, School of Nursing, Wanna Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxiao Lei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, School of Nursing, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
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Kurapov A, Kalaitzaki A, Keller V, Danyliuk I, Kowatsch T. The mental health impact of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war 6 months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1134780. [PMID: 37575573 PMCID: PMC10412819 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1134780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine on the mental health of Ukrainians, focusing on war-induced trauma, disturbances in self-organization, post-traumatic stress disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, stress, and depression. Methods Data was collected from 703 participants 6 months after the full-scale invasion using a structured questionnaire that included sections on socio-demographic information, trauma-related issues, and mental health. Results The study found that levels of depression and anxiety were relatively low, while stress and resilience were relatively high among Ukrainians affected by the war. However, those who were directly exposed to military actions, physical violence, or severe human suffering had higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma-related symptoms. The war experience varied by gender, age, and living conditions. Participants who stayed in Ukraine had significantly lower anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma-related symptoms compared to those who moved abroad. Anxiety, depression, stress, low resilience, and subjective satisfaction with living conditions were predictors of trauma-related symptoms, including PTSD and CPTSD. Conclusion These findings suggest that the mental health of Ukrainians affected by the war was impacted differently depending on their level of exposure to violence and their living conditions. Additionally, the study identified several predictors of trauma-related symptoms, including PTSD and CPTSD, such as anxiety, depression, stress, low resilience, and subjective satisfaction with living conditions. Future research should further explore the relationships between trauma type, sociodemographic factors, resilience, stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD and CPTSD to better understand the mediation mechanisms underlying these relationships and to develop effective interventions to support the well-being of Ukrainians during this difficult time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Kurapov
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Argyroula Kalaitzaki
- Department of Social Work, Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Enhancement of Quality of Life, Health Sciences Faculty, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Crete, Greece
| | - Vladyslava Keller
- Faculty of Psychology, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Ivan Danyliuk
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Tobias Kowatsch
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics at ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Hisato T, Nandy S, Monga EM, Sytek P, Abouzid M, Ahmed AA. Psychological distress among healthcare students in Poland from COVID-19 to war on Ukraine: a cross-sectional exploratory study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1186442. [PMID: 37404286 PMCID: PMC10315478 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1186442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Healthcare students went through a rough time in March 2022 due to extreme changes in the educational system (moving from online to stationary learning) and Ukrainian-Russian war circumstances. Our study aims to update knowledge about psychological distress and its impact on healthcare students in Poland after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by intense and political instability in Europe. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on healthcare students from Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland, from March to April 2022. The questionnaire included subjective retrospective 5-point Likert-scales ratings of anxiety, stress, and depression and self-reported information on various psychological distress predictors. Results The anxiety levels at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic were higher than in April 2022. There was no significant reduction in stress and depression. Females had higher initial anxiety levels than post-pandemic levels. Higher reported levels of anxiety, stress, and depression were significantly correlated with political instability in Eastern Europe (Spearman ranxiety = 0.178, rstress = 0.169, rdepression = 0.154, p ≤ 0.001, respectively). The concern about moving towards online education showed a significant association only with stress level (rstress = 0.099, p = 0.034). We also observed a positive correlation between anxiety, stress, and depression and deteriorating sleep quality (Spearman ranxiety,=0.325, rstress = 0.410, rdepression = 0.440, p < 0.001), the feeling of worsening relationships with family and peers (ranxiety = 0.325, rstress = 0.343, rdepression = 0.379, p < 0.001), and the sense of loss of efficient time management (ranxiety = 0.321, rstress = 0.345, rdepression = 0.410, p < 0.001). Conclusion Throughout the progression of the Ukrainian war and the COVID-19 pandemic, females reported improved (lower levels) levels of anxiety. Nevertheless, the current levels of self-reported anxiety post-pandemic remain alarming, while stress and depression levels remained unchanged. Mental, psychological, and social support activities are required for healthcare students, especially those away from their families. Time management, academic performance, and coping skills in relation to the additional stressors of war and the global pandemic require further research in this group of students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Hisato
- Faculty of Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Shreya Nandy
- Faculty of Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Eman M. Monga
- Department of Dental Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Paulina Sytek
- Faculty of Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mohamed Abouzid
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Alhassan Ali Ahmed
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Kanan J, Leão T. Post-traumatic stress disorder in youth exposed to the Syrian conflict: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and determinants. J Health Psychol 2022:13591053221123141. [PMID: 36124723 DOI: 10.1177/13591053221123141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A decade of ongoing armed conflict in Syria has damaged the physical and mental health of millions of adults and children. This study aimed to systematically review the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among youth exposed to the Syrian conflict, and understand its individual and contextual determinants. The screening procedure resulted in 26 studies, with a total of 11,400 Syrian children and adolescents. The prevalence was 36% (95% CI (0.29-0.43), p < 0.001). Loss of family members or acquaintances, witnessing violence, and social withdrawal increased the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder, while social trust and social support were protective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jebraiel Kanan
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto (ISPUP), Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Leão
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto (ISPUP), Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
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Slone M, Peer A. Children's Reactions to War, Armed Conflict and Displacement: Resilience in a Social Climate of Support. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:76. [PMID: 34613521 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01283-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review was to unravel recent evidence for children's reactions to war and armed conflict focusing on resilience factors mitigating adverse psychological and psychiatric consequences. RECENT FINDINGS Three categories of mitigating resilience factors emerged from the literature - personal, family, and community factors. In addition, a unifying model of moderating resilience factors emerged, proposing a higher-tier environmental dimension conceptualized here as social climate of support. Wars and armed conflict affect children both by direct exposure to threats, and by disruption of the social fabric supporting development. The notion of producing a climate of social support can direct policy toward service provision and resilience-based programs that both build individual capacities and encompass development of the resources of families, schools, community, and societal structures supportive of children's adjustment and wellbeing. Future research should shift toward systems thinking within a socio-ecological nesting of individual, familial, community, and societal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Slone
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Ayelet Peer
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Alhaffar MHDBA, Janos S. Public health consequences after ten years of the Syrian crisis: a literature review. Global Health 2021; 17:111. [PMID: 34538248 PMCID: PMC8449996 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ten years of the Syrian war had a devastating effect on Syrian lives, including millions of refugees and displaced people, enormous destruction in the infrastructure, and the worst economic crisis Syria has ever faced. The health sector was hit hard by this war, up to 50% of the health facilities have been destroyed and up to 70% of the healthcare providers fled the country seeking safety, which increased the workload and mental pressure for the remaining medical staff. Five databases were searched and 438 articles were included according to the inclusion criteria, the articles were divided into categories according to the topic of the article. Through this review, the current health status of the Syrian population living inside Syria, whether under governmental or opposition control, was reviewed, and also, the health status of the Syrian refugees was examined according to each host country. Public health indicators were used to summarize and categorize the information. This research reviewed mental health, children and maternal health, oral health, non-communicable diseases, infectious diseases, occupational health, and the effect of the COVID − 19 pandemic on the Syrian healthcare system. The results of the review are irritating, as still after ten years of war and millions of refugees there is an enormous need for healthcare services, and international organization has failed to respond to those needs. The review ended with the current and future challenges facing the healthcare system, and suggestions about rebuilding the healthcare system. Through this review, the major consequences of the Syrian war on the health of the Syrian population have been reviewed and highlighted. Considerable challenges will face the future of health in Syria which require the collaboration of the health authorities to respond to the growing needs of the Syrian population. This article draws an overview about how the Syrian war affected health sector for Syrian population inside and outside Syria after ten years of war which makes it an important reference for future researchers to get the main highlight of the health sector during the Syrian crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandor Janos
- Head of the Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Debrecen, School of Health Sciences, Debrecen, Hungary
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Agbaria N, Petzold S, Deckert A, Henschke N, Veronese G, Dambach P, Jaenisch T, Horstick O, Winkler V. Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among Palestinian children and adolescents exposed to political violence: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256426. [PMID: 34437595 PMCID: PMC8389374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We undertook a systematic review of the literature to explore the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Palestinian children and adolescents exposed to political violence. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of PTSD in this population. Methods PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, Google Scholar and Cochrane library were searched until June 2020. To estimate the prevalence of PTSD, sub-group and meta-analysis were conducted. Results The search resulted in 2786 studies, of which 28 articles representing 32 samples with a total of 15,121 participants from Gaza Strip and West Bank met either the DSM-4 or DSM-5 criteria and were included. The pooled prevalence of PTSD was 36% (95% CI 30–41%; I2 98.6%) and ranged from 6% to 70%. Sub-group analysis showed that the PTSD prevalence did not differ according to region (West Bank, Gaza Strip) and tended to decrease after including only studies using a representative sample (p<0.001), and among those with low risk of bias (p<0.001). Visual inspection of the included studies revealed significant discrepancies in study design and assessment measures. Conclusion We identified high prevalence of PTSD among Palestinian children and adolescents exposed to political violence. However, the pooled results should be interpreted with caution, due to the high heterogeneity and risk of bias in the included studies. These limitations also reflect the challenge in conceptualizing and measuring PTSD in the Palestinian context with a background of continuous and cumulative trauma. Understanding the contextual factors and developing locally adapted survey measures are of relevance to future research, public health planning, and the provision of mental healthcare in Palestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisreen Agbaria
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Stephanie Petzold
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Deckert
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicholas Henschke
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Guido Veronese
- Department of Human Sciences & Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Peter Dambach
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Jaenisch
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Section Clinical Tropical Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Olaf Horstick
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Winkler
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Cratsley K, Brooks MA, Mackey TK. Refugee Mental Health, Global Health Policy, and the Syrian Crisis. Front Public Health 2021; 9:676000. [PMID: 34414156 PMCID: PMC8369241 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.676000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The most recent global refugee figures are staggering, with over 82.4 million people forcibly displaced and 26.4 million registered refugees. The ongoing conflict in Syria is a major contributor. After a decade of violence and destabilization, over 13.4 million Syrians have been displaced, including 6.7 million internally displaced persons and 6.7 million refugees registered in other countries. Beyond the immediate political and economic challenges, an essential component of any response to this humanitarian crisis must be health-related, including policies and interventions specific to mental health. This policy and practice review addresses refugee mental health in the context of the Syrian crisis, providing an update and overview of the current situation while exploring new initiatives in mental health research and global health policy that can help strengthen and expand services. Relevant global health policy frameworks are first briefly introduced, followed by a short summary of recent research on refugee mental health. We then provide an update on the current status of research, service provision, and health policy in the leading destinations for Syrians who have been forcibly displaced. This starts within Syria and then turns to Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Germany. Finally, several general recommendations are discussed, including the pressing need for more data at each phase of migration, the expansion of integrated mental health services, and the explicit inclusion and prioritization of refugee mental health in national and global health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelso Cratsley
- Department of Philosophy & Religion, American University, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Tim K. Mackey
- Global Health Program, Department of Anthropology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Latifeh Y, Hanafi I, Alhoulaiby S, Alahdab F. Crisis-based psychiatry curriculum update: A cross-sectional study and an expert reflection from Syria. Asian J Psychiatr 2021; 61:102681. [PMID: 34004462 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Throughout human history, humanitarian catastrophes had a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of the local populations where they took place. The Syrian war was no different, rather it was the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II. Syrians' wellbeing was severely affected during this past decade, as had Syria's healthcare and mental health facilities. Syrian doctors have faced unprecedented difficulties and challenges across clinical disciplines and services, particularly in psychiatry. Medical students may play a central role in attenuating the burden of psychiatric diseases on their local community. However, a modification of the psychiatry curriculum to meet the current needs is an urgent necessity. Most of the published reports in psychiatry about Syrians were done on refugee populations in neighboring countries and worldwide. In contrast, this study captured the opinions of professors of psychiatry, specialists practicing psychiatrists, psychiatry residents, and a sample of senior medical students around Syria regarding the impact of war on different psychiatric diseases, and their suggestions to increase/reduce the teaching hours allocated to each of them. The votes were weighted then tested against crisis-related published psychiatry reports. The results suggested significant adjustments to the allocated training hours in the curriculum of psychiatry in Syrian medical schools. Increasing the focus of the curriculum of psychiatry on the prevalent disorders and conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, anxiety, and depression would empower fresh graduates to manage the basic cases of psychiatry, thus alleviating the consequences of the large shortage of psychiatrists inside Syria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Latifeh
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria.
| | - Ibrahem Hanafi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
| | - Sami Alhoulaiby
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
| | - Fares Alahdab
- Mayo Evidence-based Practice Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Brimo Alsaman MZ, Sallah H, Badawi R, Ghawi A, Shashaa MN, Kassem LH, Ghazal A. Syrian medical, dental and pharmaceutical publication in the last decade: A bibliometric analysis. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021; 66:102441. [PMID: 34123378 PMCID: PMC8173265 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scientific research has an essential role in building up the basics of public health and clinical care. As a developing country, Syria has a limited contribution to scientific research. Besides, the current Syrian crisis has inflicted severe damage to the infrastructure of the country, which, in turn, negatively affected the scientific sphere. This study examines the scientific publishing in Syria from 2011 until 2020. It aims to define the real and deep reasons for the slow-down in publication to get over them, push Syria to keep track of the latest updates, and take its place in scientific research. METHODS We conducted a bibliometric analysis of articles published in (PubMed and Scopus) Databases from 1/1/2011 until 26/12/2020, using the following search terms (("Syrian Arab Republic") OR (Syria) OR (Syrian)) limiting the search to (Affiliation) fields. RESULTS Syrian medical, dental and pharmaceutical institutions published 1403 papers from 2011 until 2020. There were only 55 papers in 2011, and a peak with 180 papers in 2018. Besides, publications in the last 4 years were 1.135 times more than publications in the last 6 years. CONCLUSION We noticed a peak in quantity of Syrian medical, dental and pharmaceutical publications in the last decade. Accordingly, we recommend enhancing research skills, paying more attention to the quality of researches, and holding research workshops and Evidence Based conferences to enhance the scientific endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hala Sallah
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Rayan Badawi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Anas Ghawi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
| | | | - Luma Haj Kassem
- Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
- CME Office, Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Ahmad Ghazal
- Department of Surgery, Aleppo University Hospital, Aleppo, Syria
- CME Office, Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
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Kakaje A, Mansour S, Ghareeb A. Was a forced lockdown adequate for a country in conflict? A psychological perspective from the Syrian population. Qatar Med J 2021; 2021:17. [PMID: 33996528 PMCID: PMC8100922 DOI: 10.5339/qmj.2021.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syria has suffered for nine years from a conflict that left over 11.1 million inhabitants in need of humanitarian assistance and over 80% in poverty. A ten-week-long full lockdown was enforced in Syria and successfully minimized the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to estimate the occurrence of mental health disorders after lockdown termination among the citizens of war-torn Syria. METHODS Online questionnaires, which included demographic and war-related questions, Dimensions of Anger Reactions 5 (DAR-5) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were distributed to different social media groups. RESULTS This study recruited 1445 participants, of which 515 (35.6%) were males, the mean age was 24.8 ± 6.3 years, 38% had problematic anger, 64% had moderate to very severe depression, 42.9% had moderate to severe anxiety and 39.7% had moderate to severe stress. Increased living expenses, not being able to go out and a reduced ability to earn income and provide food were significantly associated with the psychological burden after the lockdown (p < 0.05). The association of war variables with mental disorders was weaker than the effect of the deteriorating economy. Other healthcare workers had more severe distress than doctors, who themselves were found to have less distress than the general population (p < 0.05). Anger scores were approximately equal, regardless of the type of work. Finally, shisha smoking was associated with worse mental health (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The psychological burden of the damaged economy surpassed the direct damage due to COVID-19 and the effect of years of conflict. Urgent interventions are required, as this burden may continue for years, if not for decades. A full lockdown in countries with fragile economies may delay the spread of the virus, but it will severely damage the economy, which will lead to a deterioration of the mental health of their citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameer Kakaje
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria E-mail:
| | - Sabina Mansour
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria E-mail:
| | - Amjad Ghareeb
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria E-mail:
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Kakaje A, Fadel A, Makki L, Ghareeb A, Al Zohbi R. Mental Distress and Psychological Disorders Related to COVID-19 Mandatory Lockdown. Front Public Health 2021; 9:585235. [PMID: 33842416 PMCID: PMC8032968 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.585235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lockdown restrictions due to COVID-19 have affected many people's lifestyles and ability to earn a living. They add further distress to the lives of people in Syria, who have already endured 9 years of war. This study evaluates distress and the major causes of concerns related to COVID-19 during the full lockdown. Methods: Online questionnaires were distributed using SPTSS, K10, and MSPSS which were used with other demographic, war- and COVID-19-related questions that were taken from The (CRISIS) V0.1 Adult Self-Report Baseline Form. Results: Our sample included 5,588 with the mean age of 26.84 ± 7.815 years. Of those, only one case of COVID-19 was confirmed. Over 42.7% had two or more positive PTSD symptoms, 42.6% had moderate or severe mental disorder, but only 14.9% had low social support. Higher PTSD and K10 scores overall were seen in female participants and with most of war variables (P < 0.05). Relationships with the partner being negatively affected and distress from a decline in ability to work and provide food were the most prominent. Conclusions: The indirect effects of COVID-19 are far more than that of the pathogen itself. A reduced ability to earn and to provide food were the main concerns indicated in this study. Relationships deteriorated in participants with high K10 and PTSD scores who also had more symptoms and used more hypnotics in the last four weeks. Smoking patterns were not related to K10 and PTSD. Social support played a role in reducing stress, but when relationships were affected, lower support was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameer Kakaje
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Ammar Fadel
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Leen Makki
- Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
- Department of Experimental Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ayham Ghareeb
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
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Kakaje A, Alhalabi MM, Alyousbashi A, Ghareeb A. Allergic rhinitis, asthma and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: a cross-sectional study on their reciprocal relations. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2870. [PMID: 33536455 PMCID: PMC7858587 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80793-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common medical condition worldwide. It is an inflammation in the nasal mucosa due to allergen exposure throughout the year. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is another medical condition that can overlap with AR. LPR can be considered an extra oesophageal manifestation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or a different entity. Its diagnosis imposes a real challenge as it has a wide range of unspecific symptoms. Although AR and LPR are not life-threatening, they can severely affect the quality of life for years and cause substantial distress. Moreover, having AR is associated with having asthma which is also in turn associated with GORD. This is a cross-sectional study which used surveys distributed online on Social Media and targeted people across Syria. All participants who responded to the key questions were included. Reflux symptom index (RSI) was used for LPR, and score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR) was used for AR. Demographic questions and whether the participant had asthma were also included in the survey. We found that there was an association between the symptoms of LPR and AR p < 0.0001 (OR, 2.592; 95% CI 1.846-3.639), and their scores were significantly correlated (r = 0.334). Having asthma was associated with LPR symptoms p = 0.0002 (OR 3.096; 95% CI 1.665-5.759) and AR p < 0.0001 (OR 6.772; 95% CI 2.823-16.248). We concluded that there was a significant association between having LPR, AR, and asthma. We need more studies to distinguish between their common symptoms and aetiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameer Kakaje
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
| | | | | | - Ayham Ghareeb
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
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Kakaje A, Al Zohbi R, Hosam Aldeen O, Makki L, Alyousbashi A, Alhaffar MBA. Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:2. [PMID: 33388026 PMCID: PMC7778805 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-03002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with those of multiple studies on Syria and refugees. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria in different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included the Kessler 10 (K10) scale which screens for anxiety and depression, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and questionnaires on demographic and war-related factors. RESULTS Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) between the age of 19 and 25. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the war was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most prominent factors for more severe PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in participants living in different governorates or among different types of jobs. A strong significant correlation (r = 0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores. CONCLUSION The conflict in Syria has left the population at great risk for mental distress which was higher compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to help the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameer Kakaje
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, 31037, Damascus, Syria.
| | | | | | - Leen Makki
- Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
- Department of Experimental Surgery, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Mhd Bahaa Aldin Alhaffar
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University, Alkhateeb sq, Damascus, Syria
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Mental distress in ongoing conflict and non-conflict settings during COVID-19: a study on Syrians in different countries. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2021; 8:e12. [PMID: 34192000 PMCID: PMC8060532 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2021.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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