Risk factors for PTSD, anxiety, and depression among adolescents in Gaza.

The present study examined among adolescents in Gaza the relationship between exposure to war stressors and psychological distress as well as the effects of age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Data were collected from a sample of 139 adolescents 12 to 17 years old. Results showed that adolescents reported elevated levels of intrusion, avoidance, and depression compared to levels in communities not affected by war in the recent past.

Child mental health problems in the Gaza Strip.

This study describes the mental health characteristics of 150 children of 6-13 years of age, who had been referred to different types of services in the Gaza Strip: a community mental health center, five primary health centers and a pediatric hospital. There was a high rate of somatising disorders among children referred to the mental health center (42%). Parent-reported rates of significant mental health problems were high for all groups, i.

Comorbidity of PTSD and depression among refugee children during war conflict.

Background: We examined the prevalence and nature of comorbid post-traumatic stress reactions and depressive symptoms, and the impact of exposure to traumatic events on both types of psychopathology, among Palestinian children during war conflict in the region.

Methods: The 403 children aged 9-15 years, who lived in four refugee camps, were assessed by completing the Gaza Traumatic Events Checklist, the Child Post Traumatic Stress Reaction Index (CPTSD-RI), and the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ).

Results: Children reported experiencing a wide range of traumatic events, both direct experience of violence and through the media.

Maltreatment and coping strategies among male adolescents living in the Gaza Strip.

Objective: To establish the nature and extent of maltreatment experiences, coping strategies, and behavioral/emotional problems, and their relationships, in a sample of Palestinian adolescents.

Method: A study of 97 male adolescents aged 15-19 years, and attending a vocational training center based in the Gaza Strip. Adolescents completed the Child Maltreatment Schedule and the Ways of Coping Scale (WAYS).

Emotional problems in Palestinian children living in a war zone: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Children living in war zones are at high risk of developing post-traumatic stress and other emotional disorders, but little is known about the effect of traumatic events during war. We aimed to assess the nature and severity of emotional problems in Palestinian children whose homes had been bombarded and demolished during the crisis in Palestine, compared with children living in other parts of the Gaza strip.

Methods: 91 children exposed to home bombardment and demolition during Al Aqsa Intifada and 89 controls who had been exposed to other types of traumatic events related to political violence completed self-report measures of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and fears.