War-affected Regions Research Articles

Demographic Consequences of Major Wars

This article investigates the demographic consequences of major wars and the determinants of post-war demographic recovery, analyzing severe conflicts from 1914 to 2010 in countries across various development levels and war types. Through an empirical evaluation of demographic recovery following major wars, this paper explores how several important factors, including political capacity, foreign aid, and human capital, influence recovery patterns in societies that have experienced these conflicts. The analysis suggests that populations tend to recover to pre-war levels within a generation, often exceeding them due to significant post-war baby booms. Political capacity appears to be associated with faster recovery, while the impact of foreign aid and human capital varies across different economic contexts. The research employs a large N time-series cross-section analysis, offering a comprehensive exploration of the dynamics involved in post-war demographic recovery. The results highlight the complex relationship between political, economic, and social factors, providing a valuable foundation for future research. By integrating insights from political demography, international relations, and population studies, these findings can guide the development of new theories and models to better understand the mechanisms of post-conflict recovery. Ultimately, this research aims to inform more effective strategies and policies for post-conflict reconstruction and development, promoting sustainable peace and stability in war-affected regions.

Methodology for assessing the impact of emergencies on the spread of infectious diseases

The spread of infectious diseases is significantly influenced by emergencies, particularly military conflicts, which disrupt healthcare systems and increase the risks of epidemics. The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated these challenges, causing environmental damage, mass displacement, and the breakdown of healthcare services, all of which contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. This study aims to develop a comprehensive methodology for assessing the impact of emergencies on the spread of infectious diseases, focusing on the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The object of this study is to address epidemic threats posed by emergencies, particularly the increased spread of infectious diseases due to war-related disruptions. The subject of this study is methods and models of infectious disease transmission under conditions of emergencies, emphasizing the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The tasks of this study are to provide an analysis of the current state of research and develop a methodology for assessing the impact of emergencies on the spread of infectious diseases. The proposed methodology includes several key components. Comprehensive data from public health organizations includes infectious disease statistics, demographic shifts, healthcare disruptions, and environmental factors exacerbated by emergencies. Data preprocessing removes inconsistencies, standardization of formats, and normalization for population size differences. Machine learning models, including convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks, have been developed to simulate the spread of diseases based on demographic, environmental, and healthcare-related variables. Deep learning models analyze spatial and temporal patterns, whereas compartmental models such as SIR estimate changes in reproductive numbers (R₀ and Re). Additionally, models of excess mortality incorporate mixed effects to account for regional and time-based variations. The methodology incorporates real-time monitoring of epidemic threats using real-time data from multiple sources, enabling dynamic assessments of disease spread and facilitating predictive modeling. The models were trained on historical data and validated using cross-validation techniques to ensure robustness and reliability, with a specific focus on the pre- and post-invasion phases in Ukraine.Results: The study provides a comprehensive framework for collecting and processing data on infectious diseases and epidemic threats in emergencies. The proposed model introduces advanced machine learning and epidemiological models trained on pre- and post-invasion data to analyze disease transmission patterns and forecast future epidemic dynamics. Conclusion: The proposed methodology addresses current gaps in infectious disease during emergencies by integrating real-time data and machine learning techniques. This research improves decision-making in public health management and biosafety during crises, particularly in war-affected regions like Ukraine.

Coping strategies of internally displaced persons and the host community in a region of armed conflict: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundConflict leads to the displacement of people, making it more difficult for them to cope with increasing stress. In war-affected regions, people use different strategies to cope with their stress. This study examines the coping strategies of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and those in host communities in war zones. MethodsPeople living in the IDP camp and host communities in Maiduguri, Nigeria were recruited using a convenient sampling strategy. A 28-item Hausa version of the Brief COPE Scale wasused for data collection. Data were analyzed using linear regression and presented as unstandardized beta (B) and standard error (SE). ResultsA total of 562 participants were recruited (IDPs, n = 281; and the host communities, n = 281). Problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies were identified as the most common approaches used in host communities; however, dysfunctional strategies were morecommon among the IDPs. Age (younger or older adulthood) was identified as a predictor forthe use of emotion-, problem-, and dysfunctional-focused coping strategies. ConclusionHost communities were more likely to use a problem-and emotion-focused approach to coping, while IDPs were more likely to use dysfunctional strategies. Location and demographic factors (being single, aged 18–29years, >50 years and older) also influenced coping.

A Comparison of Ukrainian Hospital Services and Functions Before and During the Russia-Ukraine War

Since the full-scale Russian invasion, hospitals in Ukraine have been compelled to close or operate at reduced capacity due to inadequate supplies, damage, or destruction caused by war. To analyze hospital services in Ukraine during the period before and after the Russian invasion. Of the 450 hospitals currently functioning in Ukraine, a cross-sectional survey was carried out with the participation of 74 hospitals from 12 oblasts. Hospital administrators responded to an online survey with questions on the use of hospital services. Data were abstracted from hospital databases for the prewar period (before February 23, 2022) and during the war (February 23, 2022, to May 30, 2023). Hospital services (including emergency services, preventive services, screenings, laboratory tests, obstetrics, telehealth, pharmacy, and rehabilitation services) were compared during the prewar and war periods. Of 450 Ukrainian hospitals in operation, 74 hospitals (16.0%) across 12 oblasts provided data for the current analyses. During the war, daily emergency admissions increased to 2830, compared with 2773 before the war. At the same time, hospitals reported reduced laboratory testing (72 [97%] vs 63 [85%]), tobacco education (52 [70%] vs 36 [49%]), cancer screening (49 [66%] vs 37 [50%]), gynecological services (43 [58%] vs 32 [43%]), rehabilitation services (37 [50%] vs 27 [36%]), pharmacy services (36 [49%] vs 27 [36%]), and telehealth programs (33 [45%] vs 21 [28%]). Hospitals reported additional difficulties during the war, including disruptions in the supply chain for essential equipment and pharmaceuticals, shortages of laboratory test kits, delays in the delivery of crucial medications, and problems around appropriate medication storage due to power outages. The ongoing war has inflicted profound devastation on Ukraine's hospitals. The findings of this cross-sectional survey offer valuable insights into the formidable challenges that hospitals confront in war-affected regions and underscore the pressing necessity for bolstering support to sustain and enhance hospital services during wartime.

Influence of globalization factors on human development

The article aims to study the impact of globalization on the leading indicators of human development. The essence of «globalization» is clarified, and its content is defined. Sustainable development is crucial for overcoming the consequences of the war and rebuilding Ukraine's regions. It offers a comprehensive approach considering infrastructure, economy, society, and the environment. From an economic point of view, it includes not only economic recovery but also the wise use of resources, ensuring stability and creating new opportunities. To support the population affected by the war, it is essential to consider the social elements of sustainable development. From an environmental perspective, preserving the region's natural resources and ecosystems is necessary. In addition, support and international cooperation are vital to achieving sustainable development in Ukraine. The influence of globalization factors on human development is studied. Various aspects of globalization, such as trade, investment, migration, and technological progress, and their impact on human development indicators, such as income per capita, life expectancy, education level, and access to health care, are analyzed. These elements have been proven to highlight how important it is to adhere to the principles of sustainable development when rebuilding war-affected areas. In the process of Ukraine's recovery, implementing the principles of sustainable development will create a sustainable basis for economic growth and development, improve the population's quality of life, and reduce the risks of recovery. The study is based on data from various sources, including the World Bank, the United Nations, and the International Monetary Fund. It is proved that the successful implementation of the concept of sustainable development in Ukraine requires support and cooperation with other countries. Particular attention should be paid to sustainable development programs directly funded and supported by international organizations and partners, which is an essential element of support for the recovery of war-affected regions of Ukraine and emphasizes the importance of researching the impact of globalization on human development indicators. Keywords: globalization, human development, migration, life expectancy, level of education, health care.

Promoting the health of children exposed to armed conflicts: A dentist perspective

Lately, there has been a phenomenal change in armed conflicts, contributing to a significant rise in health concerns among victims, especially children. Currently, civilians account for up to 90% of casualties, with women and children making up a growing proportion of this group. Clinicians have reported that a few dental ailments can occur as sequelae to stresses related to psychological trauma Due to limited dental care facilities, the burden of oral illness is high among refugees. Hence, the dental community should identify the dental needs of the children residing in war-affected regions, and our whole focus should be on children’s safety and health living in war zones worldwide.

Suicidality and Self-harm Behavior of Adolescents During the Early Phase of the War in Ukraine

War profoundly impacts people's lives, causing death, displacement, and psychological trauma, but research investigating suicidality of adolescents in this context has been limited. We compared suicidality or self-harm behavior among adolescents in regions that were, and were not, affected by Russia's initial invasion of Ukraine in2014. This cross-sectional study comprised 2,752 school students aged 11 to 17 years from the war-affected Donetsk region and non-war Kirovograd region. Data collection occurred in 2016 and 2017 using self-report tools to assess suicidality or self-harm behavior; psychopathology including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety; and war trauma exposure. Adolescent girls in the war-affected region reported more suicide attempts (9.5% vs 5.1%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.8), suicidal ideation (39.3% vs 19.6%; aOR 2.6, 95% CI 2.01-3.3), or self-harm behavior (19.6% vs 13.1%; aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.1), and boys reported more suicidal ideation (17.0% vs 9.8%; aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.4). Boys and girls with PTSD, depression, or anxiety showed increased risks for any suicidality or self-harm. A dose-effect relation was observed between war trauma exposure and suicidality or self-harm. The association was strongest for adolescents who had experienced 5 or more different war trauma exposures (aOR 3.2, 95% CI 2.2-4.8). War trauma exposure and psychopathology were strongly associated with suicidality or self-harm behavior, with a greater impact in girls than boys. The high prevalence of suicidality found in this study emphasizes the need for intervention on a large scale for adolescents living in war situations.

War drives forest fire risks and highlights the need for more ecologically-sound forest management in post-war Ukraine.

Since 24 February 2022, Ukraine has experienced full-scale military aggression initiated by the Russian Federation. The war has had a major negative impact on vegetation cover of war-affected regions. We explored interactions between pre-war forest management and the impacts of military activities in three of the most forested Ukrainian areas of interest (AOI), affected by the war. These were forests lying between Kharkiv and Luhansk cities (AOI 'East'), forests along the Dnipro River delta (AOI 'Kherson'), and those of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone (AOI CEZ). We used Sentinel satellite imagery to create damaged forest cover masks for the year 2022. We mapped forests with elevated fire hazard, which was defined as a degree of exposure to the fire-supporting land use (mostly an agricultural land, a common source of ignitions in Ukraine). We evaluated the forest disturbance rate in 2022, as compared to pre-war rates. We documented significant increases in non-stand replacing disturbances (low severity fires and non-fire disturbances) for all three of the AOIs. Damaged forest cover varied among the AOIs (24,180 ± 4,715ha, or 9.3% ± 1.8% in the 'East' AOI; 7,293 ± 1,925ha, or 15.7% ± 4.1% in the 'Kherson' AOI; 7,116 ± 1,274ha, or 5.0% ± 0.9% in the CEZ AOI). Among the forests damaged in 2022, the 'Kherson' AOI will likely have the highest proportion of an area with elevated fire hazard in the coming decades, as compared to other regions (89% vs. 70% in the 'East' and CEZ AOIs respectively). Future fire risks and extensive war-related disturbance of forest cover call for forest management to develop strategies explicitly addressing these factors.

Society Resilience in Post-Conflict: An Examination of Social Cohesion and Recovery Strategies in War-Affected Regions of the Middle East

Society Resilience in Post-Conflict: An Examination of Social Cohesion and Recovery Strategies in War-Affected Regions of the Middle East

Adapting a collective will and a way during a civil war: The persistence of an entrepreneurial ecosystem as an architecture of hope

Persistent war is an increasing reality for millions of people worldwide. War contexts create a wide range of problems, but paradoxically may fuel some entrepreneurial activities. This inductive, qualitative study explores how an entrepreneurial ecosystem was launched and sustained amid an ongoing civil war despite repeated setbacks, disruptions, and impediments to pursuing collective goals. Building on our longitudinal qualitative data, we show how the entrepreneurial ecosystem was repeatedly reshaped by altering collective goals as well as providing the pathways and sense of agency needed to make progress toward ever-shifting goals. Our research culminates in a grounded theoretical model of an entrepreneurial ecosystem of hope, which contributes to our comprehension of entrepreneurship within war-affected regions and provides valuable insights into the dynamics of collective hope. This study offers practical implications for policy makers and practitioners by illuminating the role of entrepreneurial phenomena in the challenging context of war.

Components of the Industrial and Personnel Recovery System in War-Affected Regions during the Martial Law in Ukraine

This article focuses on the importance of a methodological approach to building a management system for industrial recovery in regions and the integration of skilled labor into the regional economy even during wartime. The purpose of the article is to provide a scientific justification for the impact of internal and external environments on the regenerative processes in the industrial economy during the period of martial law and after the cessation of hostilities, as components of the system for restoring the industrial potential of regions. A comprehensive and interconnected examination of the challenges facing the state today with the systemic problems of the development of the industrial economy in the pre-war period lays the foundation for successful transformational transformations and the speed of regenerative processes of economic and social recovery. The author claims that the economic-social, economic-ecological and social-ecological components of recovery processes are closely related and affect the final result - industrial recovery today and sustainable development of regions and the state in the future. The author notes that transforming the challenges of the external environment into opportunities in building the industrial recovery system through the application of a management system embodies an additional resource for optimizing and accelerating the regenerative processes in the industrial economy. This requires a broad, comprehensive analysis of the interplay between internal and external environmental factors for transformational changes of external challenges into additional opportunities, thereby enhancing the hidden, existing, and underutilized potential of regions through the construction of quality coordination processes in the industrial recovery system. The article elaborates on the theoretical and methodological justification for the impact of effective management and coordination approaches on the restoration processes to achieve the ultimate goal – the recovery of the industrial economy and sustainable development of the region, determining optimal models for operational monitoring of process progress, studying the impact of cutting-edge technologies on recovery processes, as well as overcoming technological gaps and creating conditions for the return of skilled migrants to Ukraine.

Transforming Care: Individual Social Work in Post-Conflict Zones for Children and Youth.

The significance of efficient social service provision has gained increased attention in war-affected regions following the Russia-Ukraine war conflict. The conventional method of establishing social services is currently facing criticism due to an increasing acknowledgment of the advantages associated with tailored and customised social work interventions, particularly in the context of children and young individuals. The article explores the notion of deinstitutionalization, emphasising its importance in post-conflict areas and emphasising the value of a personalised social work approach in promoting the welfare of children and young people impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war conflict. The present article is grounded in a comprehensive conceptual review of pertinent literature, encompassing books, journals, and related scholarly articles within the specific field of study. Research has endeavoured to ascertain the challenges and ramifications associated with the implementation of institutionalised social work practices. This study has also explored the potential pragmatic benefits of personalised social work interventions in areas of conflict, particularly focusing on children and adolescents. This article could also elucidate the key factors that should be taken into account while engaging with individuals, particularly children and young people, in regions characterised by war. The comprehensive endeavour would serve as a valuable resource for further examination, particularly in relation to the use of a personalised social work approach within the specific circumstances of recurrent invasions and civil conflicts.

Introducing the Mapping Attitudes, Perceptions and Support (MAPS) dataset on the Colombian peace process

This article introduces the Mapping Attitudes, Perceptions and Support (MAPS) dataset, which provides rich survey data from more than 12,000 respondents in Colombia. Our panel survey – carried out in two separate waves in 2019 and 2021 – is representative at the level of each ‘Program for Development with a Territorial Focus’ (PDET, for its acronym in Spanish), the most war-affected regions and those targeted for peace agreement implementation. We describe the sample and compare support for the peace agreement in MAPS to other recent surveys in Colombia, showing how MAPS reveals regional variation obscured in nationally representative surveys. Regression analyses illustrate how the panel data allow us to explore how and why people’s perceptions of the agreement shift over time. The MAPS data will enable scholars to gain insights into the microfoundations of peacebuilding over time and across space.

Cardiac Symptoms During the Russia-Ukraine War: A Google Trends Analysis.

Background The 2022 Ukraine-Russian War has led to significant anxiety, anguish, and trauma among the people in Ukraine. The objective of this study was to analyze the Google Trend results of common cardiac symptoms in Ukraine, Russia, and worldwide in 2022 and compare that to 2021 with the hypothesis that common cardiac symptoms in the war-affected regions would be higher compared to the rest of the world. We hypothesize that the search trends of cardiac symptoms would increase in Ukraine given the turmoil caused by the Russian invasion. Methods We queried Google Trends for common cardiac symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, syncope, etc. Google Trends provides results as relative search volume (RSV) displayed in a geographical format. The RSV ranges from 0 to 100, with 0 indicating that the search term is not popular, and 100 indicating the search term's popularity is at its peak. Google Trends of cardiac symptoms in Russia, Ukraine, and worldwide was taken two weeks before and after February 24, 2022, compared with the same period in 2021. To assess the difference in Google Trends between the study periods in 2022 and 2021, the paired t-test was used. Results Overall, Google Trends for cardiac symptoms was lower in Ukraine and Russia thanworldwide, in both 2021 and 2022 during the study period.There was a significant reduction in search for chest pain (14 vs. 30.5; p<0.049),pedal edema(40.0 vs 66.6; p approaching 0), and syncope (37.8 vs. 58.4; p<0.002) in Ukraine during the study periods in 2022 compared to 2021.There was a decrease in the searches for dyspnea (44.6 vs. 55.4; p<0.029) in Russiaand for dizziness (87.6 vs. 92.8; p<0.005) worldwide. There was an increase in the searches for edema (93.6 vs. 91; p <0.002) and for fatigue (88.6 vs 79.5; p approaching 0) worldwide in study periods in 2022 as compared to 2021. There was no other significant difference between cardiac symptomsearch trends during the periods evaluated in Ukraine, Russia, and worldwide. Conclusion There appears to be a significant reduction in searching for a few cardiovascular symptoms, namely, chest pain, pedal edema, and syncope in Ukraine, which may be due to a focus on other immediate problems related to warandthe availability of the Internet.

Psychic Transformation Amidst Battle: Understanding PTSD and Combat-Related Psychic Trauma

This paper presents a conceptual framework for understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychological battle fatigue (BF) as outcomes of mental adaptation to changing environmental conditions. These conditions are primarily linked to the experience of war, military threats, and the broader challenges of the global landscape. It is worth emphasizing that these challenges have, without exaggeration, affected the global population in 2022. The pressing need for research on PTSD and BF is driven not only by the significant shifts in global military events but also by the absence of fundamental methodological research that aligns with the demands of the 21st century. The author has identified crucial issues that form the basis for further comprehensive scientific and practical investigations. The overarching goal of this research is to develop effective methodologies and establish rehabilitation programs tailored to the specific needs of combatants, internally displaced individuals, and civilians residing in war-affected regions.

Gendered flight constellations and family-reunion intentions of female refugees from Ukraine: Evidence from a representative survey in Germany

Since the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, about one million people have fled to Germany in 2022. Due to the gender-specific policies for staying and leaving Ukraine, the socio-demographic composition of the refugees differs markedly from previous refugee migrations to Western Europe and from forms of voluntary migration. In particular, it stands out that about three quarters of the adult refugees arriving in Germany were women. Our paper explores systematically the family constellations of the Ukrainians who have fled their country and analyses their family-reunion intentions. We use representative data from the first wave of the “Ukrainian Refugees in Germany (IAB-BiB/FReDA-BAMF-SOEP-Survey)”. About 11,000 refugees aged 18 to 70 years participated in the survey. Only about 23 percent of the women arrived together with their partner in Germany, another 42 percent were single women and 35 percent of the women arrived without their partner. Descriptive analyses reveal ambiguity and uncertainty regarding their stay and family reunion. Multivariable analyses reveal that among these spatially separated women, intentions for family reunion in Germany are particularly high in constellations where the partner lives in more war-affected regions, and when the respondents express their intention to stay in Germany.

ЕКОЛОГО-ФАУНІСТИЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ УГРУПОВАНЬ ЗООПЛАНКТОНУ, ІХТІОФАУНИ У РІЧЦІ ІРПІНЬ

B a c k g r o u n d . Monitoring of ecosystems affected by military actions is an element of a comprehensive assessment of the state of the ecosystem in the post-war period. The results of this study are key for the post-war recovery of the war-affected region and assessment of the state and quality of water resources in the area for their further use, as well as for the assessment of the consequences of Russian armed aggression for local water ecosystems and the hydrological network of the region in general. In February-March 2022, the Kozarovytska dam was blown up, which caused flooding of the floodplain more than 20 km downstream. M e t h o d s . As a result of the flooding of agricultural lands, the waters of the Irpin River were polluted with products of human life (burial sites, cattle cemeteries, village toilets, places where livestock and birds are kept, fertilizers, decay products of plant remains) and flooded military equipment and ammunition. The purpose of this work is to study the zooplankton and ichthyofauna in the Irpin River and its tributaries the Moschunka and the Gorenka rivers. The study was conducted in the summer of 2023. A conical plankton net was used for zooplankton sampling. Quantitative parameters of zooplankton were determined according to Hensen's computational method in Bogorov's chamber using binoculars. R e s u l t s . Determination of the saprobiological state of the investigated water bodies was carried out according to the Pantle-Bucca method. Ichthyological samples were taken using a dip bag. During the experimental period, 10 species of zooplankton were found, which included rotifers, cladocera and copepods, and 3 species of fish. C o n c l u s I o n s . The obtained results indicate a significant decrease in the species richness of zooplankton in the studied reservoirs in comparison with last year's indicators, which can be explained by the consequences of anthropogenic load on the studied water ecosystems during the phase of active military operations within the Buchansky district.

Client and contractor perspectives on attributes affecting construction quality in a war-affected region

PurposeThe poor quality of construction work in war-affected regions is a significant issue. The large-scale destruction to the existing infrastructure from the war necessitates cost and time-efficient delivery of construction projects during and post-war to bring normalcy to affected lives and places. Consequently, there is always a tendency to finish construction projects in the shortest possible time on a limited budget without following the proper quality management processes. However, the poor quality of construction projects continues to affect the country's development, growth, credibility, reputation, and public safety for several years after the war. To this end, the present study was conducted to evaluate the significant attributes and factors contributing to the poor quality of construction projects in the war-affected Afghan construction sector.Design/methodology/approachA total of 31 attributes influencing construction project quality were ranked based on 110 completed survey responses collected from Afghan construction professionals. Moreover, independent samples t-test, Spearman's rank correlation test, and exploratory factor analysis were conducted.FindingsThe study found a moderate consensus between clients and contractors on attributes' rankings. In addition, the independent samples t-test showed statistically significant differences in means values of responses from clients and contractors for eight attributes. Based on factor analysis, 19 important attributes (median value greater than or equal to four) were classified into 4 latent factors – (1) poor-quality assurance and control, (2) unethical practices, (3) design and drawing errors, and (4) knowledge and skills gap.Originality/valueEvaluating the factors affecting the quality of construction projects will help clients, government departments, and construction practitioners improve the construction quality management practices. The findings will also inform the policies and procedures of international aid providers.

Prevalence and Correlates of Anemia among Adolescents Living in Hodeida, Yemen.

This study assesses the prevalence and correlates of anemia among adolescents living in the war-affected region of Hodeida in Yemen. A secondary objective was to examine the effect of a nutrition education intervention on hemoglobin levels among anemic adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of adolescents aged 15–19 years in Hodeida (n = 400). A questionnaire was administered to inquire about demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle and clinical characteristics. Capillary blood was obtained, anthropometric characteristics were measured and stool samples were collected. As for the secondary objective, anemic adolescents were randomly assigned to an intervention group (nutrition education and iron supplementation) and a control group (iron supplements only). The prevalence of anemia was 37.8%. Female gender, khat chewing, excessive menstruation, and experiencing headaches, fatigue, or dizziness were independent predictors of anemia. In contrast, adolescents who attended private schools, and reported snack consumption or handwashing had a significantly lower risk of anemia. A sample of 116 adolescents participated in the intervention (3 months). Hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control. Our findings contribute to the identification of high-risk groups that should be targeted by context-specific interventions. The implemented multicomponent intervention may serve as a prototype for larger-scale preventive programs.

Does armed conflict increase individuals’ religiosity as a means for coping with the adverse psychological effects of wars?

This study examines how armed conflict affects individuals' religious behaviors (e.g., praying) and beliefs. The direction of the effect is theoretically not clear: war exposure may strengthen individuals' religiosity. Alternatively, after war exposure, individuals may stop following religion, and decrease their faith in God. To assess the direction of this effect, this study examines individuals' religiosity before and after a war between Israel and a Lebanese terror organization in 2006. Using both longitudinal and cross-section datasets, I find that being exposed to war or residing in war-affected regions increases individuals' religious behaviors and beliefs. These results are more pronounced among lower-educated individuals and among those who were not religious prior to the violence. Exploring possible mechanisms, I show that individuals become more religious as a means for coping with the adverse psychological effects of the war. Placebo tests using the pre-war period and individuals’ views unrelated to war exposure strengthen my main findings.