TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2024//
TI  - Exploring the self-reported physical and psychological effects in a population exposed to a regional conflict
JO  - Journal of community health
A1  - Shamir-Stein, Naama
A1  - Feldblum, Ilana
A1  - Rotman, Eran
A1  - Cohen, Shir
A1  - Brand, Einat
A1  - Kivity, Sara
A1  - Saban, Mor
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - BACKGROUND: Conflict profoundly impacts community health and well-being. While post-conflict research exists, little is known about initial effects during active hostilities. <br><br>OBJECTIVE: To assess self-reported changes in health behaviors, distress, and care access within one month of regional warfare onset in a conflict-affected community. <br><br>METHODS: An online survey was conducted in November 2023 among 501 residents (mean age 40.5 years) of a community where war began October 7th. Measures evaluated physical health, mental health, diet, substance use, sleep, weight changes, and healthcare access before and after the declaration of war. <br><br>RESULTS: Relative to pre-war, respondents reported significantly increased rates of tobacco (56%) and alcohol (15%) consumption, worsening sleep quality (63%), elevated distress (18% sought help; 14% needed but didn't receive it), and postponed medical care (36%). Over a third reported weight changes. Distress was higher among females and those endorsing maladaptive coping. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Within one month, substantial impacts on community psychosocial and behavioral health emerged. Unmet mental health needs and risk-taking behaviors were early indicators of conflict's health consequences. Continuous monitoring of conflict-affected communities is needed to inform tailored interventions promoting resilience and prevent entrenchment of harms over time.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0094-5145
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10900-024-01337-6
ID  - ref1
ER  -