Posttraumatic stress disorder correlates among internally displaced Yazidi population following Islamic state of Iraq and Syria attacks in Iraq

Abstract

Background In 2014, the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) took over one-third of Iraq. This study measured the rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Iraqi Yazidi internally displaced persons (IDPs) and examined associated demographic and traumatic risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in April–June 2015 at the Khanke camp, northern Iraq. Trauma exposure and PTSD were measured by the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (Iraqi version). Results Of 814 adult Yazidi IDPs, 34% screened positive for PTSD. Avoidance and intrusion symptoms had the highest means (M = 3.16, SD = 0.86 and M = 2.63, SD = 0.59 respectively). Associated factors of PTSD included exposure to a high number of traumatic events, unmet basic needs and having witnessed the destruction of residential or religious areas (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.02–1.9 and OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01–1.53 respectively). Being a widow was the only linked demographic factor (OR = 15.39, 95% CI: 3.02–78.39). Conclusions High traumatic exposure, specifically unmet basic needs and having witnessed destruction, was an important predictor of PTSD among Yazidi IDPs. These findings are important for mental health planning for IDPs in camps.

Prevalence and factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among internally displaced people in camps at Debre Berhan, Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

“…Those IDP who witnessed the destruction of property were 1.67 times more likely had PTSD as compared to those who haven’t witnessed it (AOR = 1.67 [95% CI: 1.01–2.74]). The finding of this study is similar to other studies conducted in south Ethiopia and Iraq which showed that those who witnessed the destruction of personal property were 1.58 and 1.53 times more likely had PTSD than those who hadn’t experienced the destruction of personal property [ 9 , 22 ] respectively.…”

“…In this study, sex, age, and marital status had no statistically significant association with PTSD. This finding is supported by the study done in northern Uganda that showed PTSD has no association with sex and age [ 21 ], however, different from a study done in Iraq IDP that showed being a widow was a strongly significant predictor [ 22 ]. The finding of this study is different from other studies done in Ethiopia [ 9 ], Northern Uganda [ 17 ], and Mexico [ 24 ] which revealed PTSD was significantly associated with socio-demographic factors.…”

“…This finding is inconsistent with a study conducted in northern Uganda after a conflict, which showed that occupation, educational level, and marital status were not associated with PTSD [ 21 ]. Similarly, the study of IDP from Iraq IDP found that socio-demographic variables were not risk factors for developing PTSD, with the exception that widowhood was a highly significant predictor [ 22 ]. This difference may be because most of the participants in the present study were farmers who lost their homes and the livestock they used to live on, rather than merchants.…”

Suicide in Muslim world and way forward

“…7 These factors have affected a huge population in Muslim countries, especially in the Middle East and Africa, which has led to higher rates of mental illnesses among these populations. 8,9 Suicide advice and other similar topics can be found in Hadiths and the Quran. Primary, secondary, and tertiary preventative recommendations are the three kinds of instruction.…”

“…Instead of the torture and incarceration she was subjected to in her own nation of Egypt, her refuge situation may have led her to commit herself 7 . These factors have affected a huge population in Muslim countries, especially in the Middle East and Africa, which has led to higher rates of mental illnesses among these populations 8,9 …”