Prevalence of PTSD among Sudanese children who survived war, 2024–2025

This cross-sectional survey assessed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in children displaced by the recent Sudan conflict. A random sample of n = 200 children (ages 7–18) in a displacement center in Atbara, River Nile State, was interviewed during April 18–22, 2025. Standardized questions covering intrusion, avoidance, negative cognition, and hyperarousal symptoms (15 items) were administered. We found very high symptom rates: for example, 31% of children reported frequent (”often”) intrusive memories, 30% reported repeated nightmares, 30% often tried to avoid reminders of the trauma, 26% had frequent sleep/anger problems, and 44.5% often had trouble concentrating. Based on these responses and DSM-5 criteria, we estimate that roughly 36–40% of participants met the threshold for PTSD. This is consistent with studies in other conflict zones, which report pooled PTSD prevalence of ~36–47% among war-affected youth (1-2). Female children (56.5%) were slightly overrepresented in our sample (3); known risk factors like female sex and low parental education were common (56% of mothers had ≤primary education). (4) We conclude that PTSD is highly prevalent in this population of war-surviving Sudanese children, underscoring the urgent need for targeted mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian aid efforts.