Psychological distress after the occupation: A community cross-sectional survey from Lebanon.
OBJECTIVE
Jezzine inhabitants were exposed to war stressors for 17 years. This study aims at determining the prevalence of psychiatric distress (PD) among Jezzine citizens who were exposed to war for 17 years and to identify associated factors.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
A sample of 142 citizens was randomly selected from a population of 5,000. A novel questionnaire was used to collect data on war exposure, socioeconomic and demographic variables. PD was assessed using GHQ-12. Data were analysed by logistic regression.


RESULTS
PD was found in 26% of Jezzine residents. PD was associated with age, marital status, education, experience of war-related events, chronic illness and alcohol drinking. After adjusting for all variables, PD remained significantly correlated with older age and low education (odds ratios were 7.59 and 4.28, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of PD among the residents of Jezzine after a year of the Israeli withdrawal was similar to that reported in other communities whether they were, or were not, exposed to war stress. Higher prevalence among older and less educated individuals suggests the presence of a significant age cohort effect and cognitive construal factors for PD among persons chronically exposed to war-related stressors.
Roberto
Saab Bassem
SB
Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Chaaya
Monique
M
Fares
Jocelyn Eid
JE
Khirs
Joseph Abi
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009790:Occupations; D015995:Prevalence; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires