Exploring depression, PTSD, insomnia, and fibromyalgia symptoms in women exposed to Gaza war news: A community-based study from Jordan

Abstract

Background: The circulating violent news about the war on Gaza is believed to impact the mental health status of people globally especially in Jordan, the closest country to Palestine. Also, women are more vulnerable to mental distress.

Aims: This study investigates the prevalence and correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, insomnia, and fibromyalgia among Jordanian females exposed to the Gaza war news.

Method: In a comprehensive cross-sectional inquiry, we applied validated scales to assess the severity of PTSD, depression, insomnia, and fibromyalgia symptoms in a dataset comprising 1,044 females.

Results: The findings revealed that 32.3% exhibited severe PTSD symptoms, 53.4% had severe depressive symptoms, 48.2% reported severe insomnia, and 17.2% were diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Exploring demographic factors, the study established statistically significant correlations (p < .05) between the evaluated symptoms and various variables. Notably, individuals of Palestinian nationality, employed as teachers or housewives, those using over-the-counter analgesics for fibromyalgia, and those with chronic diseases exhibited elevated prevalence rates of the investigated conditions.

Conclusions: This pioneering study, the first of its kind, delves into the acute psychiatric repercussions of the October 7th conflict on Jordanian females. The alarming prevalence of severe symptoms underscores the urgent need for timely psychiatric intervention.

Keywords: Gaza; Psychosomatic symptoms; war; women.