摘要
Background Globally,populations afflicted by armed conflict are known to have high rates of mental health disorders.Aims This meta-analysis aims to estimate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)and depressive symptoms among civilians residing in armed conflictaffected regions.Methods This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items forSystematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.A literature search employing MEDLINE(R),Embase Classic+Embase,APA PsyclNFO,Ovid Healthstar,Journal@Ovid Full Text,Cochrane,PTSDpubs and CINAHL was conducted from inception until 19 March 2024 to identify relevant studies.Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies,and a Comprehensive Meta-Analysiswas usedto conduct the statistical analysis.Results The search yielded 38595 articles,of which 57 were considered eligible for inclusion.The included studies comprised data from 64596 participants.We estimated a prevalence of 23.70%(95%CI 19.50%to28.40%)forPTSD symptomsand 25.60%(95%Cl 20.70%to 31.10%)for depressive features among war-afflicted civilians.The subgroup analysis based on time since the war and the country's economic status revealed the highest prevalence for both PTSD and depressive symptoms was present during the years of war and in low/middle-incomecountries.Conclusions The results of this study provide conclusive evidence of the detrimental impacts of armed conflict on mental health outcomes.Hence,it is crucial to emphasise the significance of both physical and mental health in the aftermath of war and take appropriate humanistic measures to overcome challenges in the management of psychiatric illnesses.
