Exposure to violence and psychosocial trauma among Sudanese survivors

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Purpose This paper aims to investigates the experiences of violence among Sudanese survivors and the associated mental health outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders. It highlights the variety, frequency and severity of political violence exposure and its impact on psychological trauma. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional quantitative study used data from 324 Sudanese youth exposed to violence. A self-rated 17-item questionnaire assessed violence exposure types and frequency. The General Health Questionnaire and the Davidson Trauma Scale evaluated mental health. Findings High levels of PTSD and poor general mental health were found in 60% of the youth. Exposure included brutal beatings (47%), physical torture (17%) and sexual violence (2%), with 47% enduring hours of torture. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and self-reported data may introduce biases. Future studies should use longitudinal designs and consider cultural factors to better understand the long-term effects of political violence. Practical implications The study highlights the need for systematic trauma screening and targeted psychosocial support programs for Sudanese youth, particularly for underrepresented young adult males, to address significant trauma effectively. Originality/value This research provides novel insights into the mental health impact of political violence on Sudanese youth, offering valuable evidence to inform policies and programs aimed at supporting this vulnerable population.