First GCMHP Study on the Psychosocial Effects of Al-Aqsa Intifada: Significant Increase in Mental Disorders and Symptoms of PTSD among Children and Women

GCMHP's Research Center conducted a study on the psychological effects of Israeli bombardment of civilians in the Gaza Strip. The study aimed to assess the magnitude of trauma among women and children who were bombarded. The study group consisted of 121 mothers (21-55 years) and 121 children (3-16 years) who were residents of the area close to Al-Tuffah point in Khan Younis and the Salah El-Din gate area in Rafah. The group excluded those with previous mental health problems. The most important findings of the study were:

Increase in the rates of exposure of trauma:

• 99.2% of the group's homes were bombarded
• 97.5% were exposed to tear gas
• 2.5% suffered from burns
• 1.7% were hit by rubber bullets
• 2.5% were hit on the head and were rendered unconscious
• 2.5% were prevented from reaching medical care

Increase in the rate of exposure to trauma as a result as witnessing it:

• 96.6% of the children witnessed shootings
• 51.7% saw injured or dead who were not relatives
• 35.1% saw their neighbors injured or killed
• 22.9% saw family members injured or killed
• 95.8% witnessed bombardment and funerals

The increase in exposure to trauma led to an increase in the rate of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms:

• 54.6% of the children started to develop acute PTSD symptoms
• 34.5% of the children started to develop medium PTSD symptoms
• 9.2% of the children started to develop light PTSD symptoms

In addition to the increase in PTSD symptoms, it was discovered that 13.3% of the children are suffering from a sharp increase in mental and behavioral problems such as sleep disorders, hyperactivity, speech disorders, lack of concentration, and aggressive behavior.

There was an increase in psychological problems among mothers:

• 19.7% were suffering from somatic symptoms
• 24.6% were suffering from depression
• 16.6% were suffering from anxiety
• 11.8% were suffering from phobia
• 11.2% were suffering from psychotic symptoms and psychosis

The study found that there is a strong proportional relationship between the mental health of mothers and that of children. An increase in a mother's psychological problems indicated an increase in her children's problems.

Palestinian women and their children are suffering from Israeli violence. And it is essential that they are given due care though preventive programs to reduce the psychological problems anguish. Priority should be given to the areas that are bombarded.

The research team that conducted the study consisted of Dr. Samir Qouta and the supervisor, Ms. Hikmat El-Nahal as a field worker, Ms. Nivien El-Hams an assistant, and Ms. Nida Timraz as a data analyzer. The team faced numerous difficulties in conducting this study due to the general situation and its complications.