The Psychological Burden of the 2023 Sudanese Conflict: PTSD Prevalence and Coping Mechanisms

TL;DR

This study found that nearly half of Sudanese adults affected by the 2023 conflict show PTSD symptoms, with coping strategies and income influencing mental health outcomes.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into PTSD prevalence and coping mechanisms among Sudanese individuals during the 2023 conflict.

Findings

Nearly 43% of participants met the criteria for a potential PTSD diagnosis.

Family income was significantly associated with PTSD symptoms (p=0.020).

Duration of residency in conflict zones impacted coping effectiveness.

Abstract

Aims:
This study aimed to identify the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to assess coping strategies among Sudanese individuals. Also, to evaluate the relationship between PTSD and coping mechanisms with sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional design to assess PTSD and coping strategies in 716 Sudanese adults affected by war, selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed a Google Form questionnaire that included sociodemographic data, the PTSD Checklist for DSM–5 (PCL-5), and a coping scale. The analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 26, applying various statistical tests to evaluate relationships and differences.

Results:
The findings revealed that nearly 43% of the sample met the criteria for a potential diagnosis of PTSD. About 69% of participants were female, with a median age of 23 years. Most participants were single (81%) and had been externally displaced (51%). Coping strategies varied among the participants: 34% focused on improving their habits, while others used reflective approaches (36%), sought positive perspectives (30%), employed humour (21%), or chose to wait for problems to resolve on their own (17%). Family income was significantly associated with PTSD symptoms (p=0.020). Participants with higher PTSD symptoms exhibited lower coping effectiveness, and both age and marital status significantly influenced coping mechanisms (p=0.027 and 0.037, respectively). Those who had been living in conflict zones for over six months reported the highest coping scores.

Conclusion: Our findings confirmed a high level of PTSD symptoms among the participants. Duration of residency in the conflict zone impacted the coping adopted and income played a crucial role in developing PTSD. This study underscores the need for urgent specific psychological support for individuals affected by the conflict. Further research is required to foster mental well-being, and put more attention to this issue.