# Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression as predictors of peace of mind among healthcare workers working with war victims

## TL;DR

Healthcare workers in Iraq experience high PTSD and depression, which negatively affect their peace of mind, highlighting the need for mental health support in war zones.

## Contribution

This study identifies PTSD and depression as key predictors of peace of mind among Iraqi healthcare workers exposed to war.

## Key findings

- 66.1% of participants reported mild-to-moderate PTSD symptoms.
- Higher PTSD and depression scores significantly predicted lower peace of mind.
- Years of professional experience were associated with higher peace of mind.

## Abstract

Healthcare professionals in Iraq are exposed to war-related stressors that may undermine psychological well-being. This study examined post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression and their association with peace of mind (PoM). In a cross-sectional survey, 174 physicians, nurses, pharmacists and allied health workers from multiple Iraqi regions completed an online questionnaire including demographics and validated Arabic measures of PTSD, depression (BDI) and PoM. Reliability was checked using Cronbach’s alpha, and analyses used descriptive statistics, t-tests, Spearman correlations and stepwise regression. Mild-to-moderate PTSD symptoms were reported by 66.1% of participants, and 39.1% reported at least mild depressive symptoms; 54.0% showed moderate PoM. In regression models, higher PTSD and depression scores significantly predicted lower PoM, whereas years of professional experience predicted higher PoM. These findings indicate a substantial burden of trauma- and depression-related symptoms among Iraqi healthcare workers and suggest that workplace-focused mental health supports and organizational policies are needed to protect well-being in conflict-affected settings.