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Prevalence and predictors for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and general health in a population from six villages in South Lebanon

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Abstract

Objective

To determine the prevalence and predictors of psychiatric disorders in a general population from South Lebanon, an area that was under military occupation for more than 20 years.

Method

This study assessed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression thresholds along with general health (GHQ) among 625 citizens in six villages in South Lebanon using a cross-sectional design through random sampling.

Results

The prevalence ranged from 17.6 to 33.3% for PTSD and from 9.2 to 19.7% for depression. GHQ total score was found to be 6.7 significantly greater than the internationally established mean score of 5.0. Social support, financial resources, gender, and war exposure were significantly related to PTSD and depression thresholds.

Conclusion

The results strongly suggest that the general population in South Lebanon suffer from mental health disorders calling for appropriate psychiatric interventions and development planning.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Ms Rana Bachir for her valuable input in preparing this document and Ms Nicole Strauss for her help in the reviewing and editing process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychiatry-Mental Health Nursing, Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

    Laila F. Farhood

  2. Psychiatry Department, American University of Beirut, P.O.Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon

    Laila F. Farhood

  3. School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon

    Hani Dimassi

Authors
  1. Laila F. Farhood
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  2. Hani Dimassi
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Correspondence to Laila F. Farhood.

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Farhood, L.F., Dimassi, H. Prevalence and predictors for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and general health in a population from six villages in South Lebanon. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 47, 639–649 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-011-0368-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-011-0368-6

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