Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disor der among Palestinians During the Israeli Palestinian Conflict 2023-2024

Abstract This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD symptoms among Palestinians during the Israeli Palestinian conflict 2023 - 2024. The study used descriptive, cross-sectional design. The sample of the study consisted of 762 individuals who have experienced a stressful event. The researcher used a self-report, 30-items (PTSD-S-i30) scale based on DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD. The validity and reliability of the scale was examined and alpha coefficient was 0.931. The results showed that 369 (48.4%) of respondents were males and 393 (51.6%) females, their mean age was 24.06±13.618 years. 99.1% of respondents felt that their psychological state changed following the stressful event, 97.4% reported that the symptoms lasted for more than one month, and 73.1% stated that their performance at work has been affected. The results indicated that 28.6% of respondents have moderate disturbance, 22.2% have severe disturbance, and 22% have very severe disturbance. The results also indicated significant association between severity of PTSD and gender, age, education level, work, and marital status. The study revealed alarming levels of PTSD, which require strategies to support these people and alleviate their suffering.