Abstract
BackgroundIn 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.MethodsA 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).ResultsOf 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).ConclusionsHigh 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.
Highlights
In 2014, the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) took over one-third of Iraq
We examined the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and investigated the possible correlated factors of PTSD among Yazidi internally displaced persons (IDPs) resettled in refugee camps in Duhok, Iraqi Kurdistan
Our study provides evidence of mental distress after exposure to traumatic events endured by Yazidi IDPs resettled in IDP camps following the violent attacks by ISIS in 2014
Summary
In 2014, the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) took over one-third of Iraq. At the beginning of 2014, the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) took over large areas of northern and central Iraq, and they controlled one-third of the territory of Iraq by the end of 2014 [1]. The United Nations (UN) estimated that 3.2 million Iraqis were internally displaced persons (IDPs) by the end of 2015 [2]. Yazidis are a religious minority who speak Kurdish and inhabit northern Iraq, Iran and Syria and southeastern Turkey [3]. They refuse religious conversion, which is why they have faced many genocides in their history. The bulk of the displaced people resettled in refugee camps around the city of Duhok in northern Iraq [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
