Posttraumatic stress disorder and psychological trauma in Syrian refugees in Duhok, Iraqi Kurdistan

Abstract EN

Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); to identify the relationship between PTSD symptom severity with the experienced traumatic events; and, to assess whether quantity or quality of trauma exposure is associated more with PTSD symptom severity.

Method: PTSD and its relation to traumatic experiences in a random sample of 820 Syrian refugees at Domiz 2 camp of the Northern Iraq in April- June 2015 were assessed.

Face to face interviews were conducted to collect socio-demographic data, and level of trauma exposure and PTSD by Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ).

Results: of the 820 Syrian refugees, 134 (16.3%) had PTSD symptomatology.

The rate of PTSD among mildly traumatized refugees was (12%), among moderately traumatized refugees was (13.6%), and among severely traumatized respondents was (50%).

PTSD rates were high among respondents experienced separation, physical and emotional violence.

All trauma types, except sexual violence, were significantly associated with PTSD severity and a significant association was found between cumulative trauma effect and the severity of PTSD.

Conclusion: PTSD symptom severity was related to cumulative traumatic events and was significantly associated with different trauma types.

Important steps are needed to provide humanitarian protection to those who fled their countries and cross international borders.

Mental health treatment programs are needed for Syrian refugees suffering from PTSD and other psychological problems.