title: Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder among battered women in Lebanon: an exploratory study.
abstract: Intimate partner violence against women is common in Lebanon and can lead to major health problems. However, the incidence of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in battered women has not been extensively explored in the Lebanese cultural context. The objectives of this study were as follows: (a) to determine the prevalence of PTSD symptoms among women in Lebanon who have been physically abused by their partners, (b) to assess whether the rate of PTSD symptoms varied according to sociodemographic variables, and (c) to reveal other attributes that might be risk factors for developing symptoms of PTSD. Of the 95 physically abused women who met inclusion criteria, 85 completed a questionnaire including sociodemographic questions, the physical abuse subscale of the Composite Abuse Scale (CAS), and the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C). Results showed a high prevalence of PTSD symptoms (97%), positively correlated with physical violence (r = .719). Lower education level and recent abuse were correlated with symptom severity, as were the number of problematic habitual behaviors in the abusive partner and the use of psychotherapy. Increased involvement of health care professionals in the detection of women at risk, with referral to appropriate resources, is suggested to improve prevention and management efforts.
authors.affiliation: University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada chris_khadra@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Christelle
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Khadra
authors.affiliation: Antonine University, Baabda, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wehbe
authors.affiliation: University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Jacinthe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lachance Fiola
authors.affiliation: Antonine University, Baabda, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Wadih
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Skaff
authors.affiliation: Antonine University, Baabda, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nehmé
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018585:Battered Women / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: battered women; cultural context; domestic violence; intimate partner violence; post-traumatic stress disorder