II: Emotional and behavioural problems and trauma exposure of school‐age Palestinian children in Gaza: Some preliminary findings

Abstract

An international research team was established to design and implement a community‐based, cross‐section epidemiological survey of 669 school‐age Palestinian children and their families living in the Gaza Strip. Several psychometric instruments were utilized for measuring mental health outcomes, including the Ontario Child Health Scale (OCHS) for measuring childhood emotional and behavioural problems, and the Child Post‐traumatic Stress Reaction Index (CPTS‐RI) to measure post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Lifetime trauma exposure was assessed by using the Health Reach Modified War Questionnaire. It was found that children and adolescents from age six to 16 have high prevalence rates of conduct, attention deficit‐hyperactivity disorders and PTSD. These rates are higher than those reported internationally on children in non‐conflict areas. A significant correlation was found between higher rates of lifetime trauma exposure, by frequency and type, and higher prevalence rates of mental health problems. The various state and non‐governmental organizations involved in health care services are urged to use a community‐based approach to alleviate the burden of suffering, including addressing issues of social justice for Palestinians.