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. 2024 May 9:15:1399013.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1399013. eCollection 2024.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in the Ethiopian population dwelling in war-affected communities: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Techilo Tinsae  1 , Shegaye Shumet  1 , Gebresilassie Tadesse  2 , Girmaw Medfu Takelle  1 , Gidey Rtbey  1 , Mamaru Melkam  1 , Fantahun Andualem  1 , Girum Nakie  1 , Tesfaye Segon  3 , Selam Koye  1 , Setegn Fentahun  1 , Wondale Getinet Alemu  1
Affiliations

Post-traumatic stress disorder in the Ethiopian population dwelling in war-affected communities: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Techilo Tinsae et al. Front Psychiatry. .

Abstract

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health concern globally, particularly prevalent in populations exposed to war and conflict. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the prevalence and factors associated with PTSD among the Ethiopian population residing in war-affected communities.

Methods: The review was reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Related eligible published articles were searched in electronic online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Google, which reported the prevalence and risk factors of PTSD among people dwelling in the war-affected area until January 2024. The relevant data was extracted using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 11. The estimated pooled prevalence and risk factors were estimated using a random effect model. The potential risk of publication bias was checked using a funnel plot and Egger's statistical test.

Results: A total of nine published studies with 6107 participants were analyzed in this meta-analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of PTSD among people living in war-affected areas was 48.4%, with a 95% CI (37.1, 59.8). This study found a higher prevalence of PTSD among women than men. Being female (OR= 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.3), witnessing a murder of a loved one (OR= 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2, 7.5), depression symptoms (OR= 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4, 5.6), and anxiety symptoms (OR= 3.4, 95% CI: 1.4, 8.0), a close family member killed or seriously injured (OR= 3.1, 95% CI: 1.2, 7.7), a moderate and high perceived threat to life (OR= 3.4, 95% CI: 1.3, 9.1), and poor social support (OR= 4.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 18.7) were associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusion: The result of this study shows the high prevalence rate of PTSD in people living in war-affected areas. disparities in PTSD prevalence, with women being at higher risk, and identified risk factors were witnessing the murder of a loved one, experiencing depression and anxiety, and perceived threat to life. Addressing PTSD in war-affected communities requires comprehensive interventions that consider both individual and contextual factors.

Systematic review registration: www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024501384.

Keywords: PTSD; conflict; internal conflict; trauma; war.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study selection process.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Forest Plot describing the pooled prevalence of PTSD among people dwelling in war-affected areas in Ethiopia with a 95% CI.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Forest Plot describing the pooled prevalence of PTSD among women dwelling in war-affected areas in Ethiopia with a 95% CI.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Forest Plot describing the pooled prevalence of PTSD among men dwelling in war-affected areas in Ethiopia with a 95% CI.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Subgroup analysis based on the study settings of PTSD among people dwelling in war-affected areas.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Funnel plot with a pseudo95% confidence interval that describes the heterogeneity of the pooled prevalence of PTSD among people dwelling in war-affected areas in Ethiopia.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Trim and fill analysis of PTSD among people dwelling in war-affected areas in Ethiopia, 2024.
Figure 8
Figure 8
The sensitivity analysis for the pooled estimate of PTSD among people dwelling in war-affected areas in Ethiopia.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Factors associated with PTSD among people dwelling in war-affected areas in Ethiopia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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