Understanding Post-Conflict Mental Health: Assessment of PTSD, Depression, General Health and Life Events in Civilian Population One Year after the 2006 War in South Lebanon

Abstract

Assessing the psychological impact of war is crucial to meet the needs of communities following conflict. To date, mental health in Lebanon's southern civilians has not been assessed in relation to the 2006 War. In 2007, face-to-face interviews were conducted in ten villages in South Lebanon. The sample, consisting of 991 adults, was chosen through random sampling using a crosssectional design. The study evaluated PTSD, traumatic events, depression and general health status. Of the total sample, 17.8% met threshold criteria for PTSD, 14.7% for depression and the average GHQ score was 4.31. Significant differences were observed across villages. This study revealed that war-related life events and exposure are highly associated with psychiatric problems one year following a violent conflict.

A Data-Driven Analysis of Sociocultural, Ecological, and Economic Correlates of Depression Across Nations

“…For example, depression has now been linked to water and air pollution (Lin et al, 2017; Liu, Chen, et al, 2020; Shao et al, 2021), mold and dampness (Shenassa et al, 2007), malnutrition (Aydoğan et al, 2019; Ghimire et al, 2018; Wei et al, 2018), low-quality housing (Kim, Jeong, et al, 2021), and living in cities (James et al, 2017), although the mechanisms behind some of these associations are still unknown. Nations with high levels of conflict—both with other nations and within the nation—may also have higher rates of depression because of the psychological toll of war and other forms of conflict on mental health (Farhood et al, 2013; Miller & Rasmussen, 2010; Thabet et al, 2004). Taken together, these studies predict that depression may have its highest prevalence in nations with high pollution, poor water quality, a high share of urban residents, high levels of malnutrition and physical illness, and high levels of conflict.…”

Association of War-Related and Gender-Based Violence With Mental Health States of Yazidi Women

“…21,22 Some studies have indicated that women are more likely to develop PTSD compared with men, 23,24 which may be related to gender-specific risk factors that come into play both before and after exposure to traumatic war events. 25,26 Here, we assume that gender-related stressful experiences contribute to mental health impairment among women, which may partly explain the gender difference in mental health disorders following violent conflicts.…”

Focus Groups Investigating Mental Health Attitudes and Beliefs of Parents and Teachers in South Lebanon: Are They Culturally Determined?

“…These two schools were chosen because they have been considered as hub schools that attract students of different sociocultural backgrounds from different towns and villages in the south of Lebanon. The town was selected based on availability of venue, size, and results from previous mental health assessments reflecting high psychiatric morbidity such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD prevalence (Farhood & Dimassi, 2012; Farhood, Dimassi, & Strauss, 2013; Farhood et al, 2006). Exclusion criteria for participation in each focus group included the following: individuals not currently employed as teachers, or nonparents/guardians, and individuals under the age of 18 years.…”