Fuaad Mohaammed Freh
Professor
Title: What silent victims can tell us about living in a chronic war zone?
Biography
Biography: Fuaad Mohaammed Freh
Abstract
Since the beginning of war in April 2003, experiences with violence have become a chronic condition for many Iraqis. Those who suffer most are children, and they are, unfortunately often forgotten in this war. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of PTSD reactions and general mental health problems among Iraqi school-age children. A longitudinal study with 231 children (53.6% boys, 46.3% girls) aged 8 to 12 years who had experienced war conflict. Children completed the CPTS-RI, while the Rutter A2 and B2 scales were completed by parents to assess behavioral and developmental problems among their children. Results indicated that 79.6% (n=184) of the children met the criteria for current probable severe and moderate PTSD symptoms. Girls were more vulnerable with 55.9% developed severe PTSD symptoms. Results also showed that 63.6% (n= 147) of the children were rated above the cut-off on the Rutter A2 (parents) scales, and 44.5% (n=103) were above the cut-off on the Rutter B2 (teachers). Rates of children who reported moderate and severe PTSD symptoms and other mental health problems had significantly increased over time. The results stress that acute PTSD reactions and other behavioral problems tend to develop among children living in war zones in the absence of immediate clinical and psychological intervention. Cumulative previous experience of war trauma constitutes a risk factor for continuing PTSD symptoms.