Exploring the Self-Reported Physical and Psychological Effects in a Population Exposed to a Regional Conflict
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21427089 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Naama Shamir-Stein (Maccabi Healthcare Services), Ilana Feldblum (Maccabi Healthcare Services), Eran Rotman (Maccabi Healthcare Services), Shir Cohen (Maccabi Healthcare Services), Einat Brand (Maccabi Healthcare Services), Sara Kivity (0009-0004-5763-0860, Maccabi Healthcare Services), Mor Saban (0000-0001-6869-0907, Tel Aviv University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 49 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 674-681 |
| Publication date | 2024-08-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Community Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0094-5145 • E-ISSN: 1573-3610 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10900-024-01337-6 |
| PMID | 38393653 |
| OpenAlex | W4392098421 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
| References cited | 33 |
BACKGROUND: Conflict profoundly impacts community health and well-being. While post-conflict research exists, little is known about initial effects during active hostilities. OBJECTIVE: To assess self-reported changes in health behaviors, distress, and care access within one month of regional warfare onset in a conflict-affected community. METHODS: An online survey was conducted in November 2023 among 501 residents (mean age 40.5 years) of a community where war began October 7th. Measures evaluated physical health, mental health, diet, substance use, sleep, weight changes, and healthcare access before and after the declaration of war. RESULTS: Relative to pre-war, respondents reported significantly increased rates of tobacco (56%) and alcohol (15%) consumption, worsening sleep quality (63%), elevated distress (18% sought help; 14% needed but didn't receive it), and postponed medical care (36%). Over a third reported weight changes. Distress was higher among females and those endorsing maladaptive coping. CONCLUSION: Within one month, substantial impacts on community psychosocial and behavioral health emerged. Unmet mental health needs and risk-taking behaviors were early indicators of conflict's health consequences. Continuous monitoring of conflict-affected communities is needed to inform tailored interventions promoting resilience and prevent entrenchment of harms over time.
Environmental health · Population · Clinical Psychology · Health and Conflict Studies · Medicine · Migration, Health and Trauma · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research · Psychology
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| Unique citing works | 4 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 4 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 3 |