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Volume 18, Issue 3 (2026)
Iran J War Public Health 2026, 18(3): 1001-1014 |
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Ethics code: 12000003.1405IR.JUC
History
Received: 2026/06/20 | Accepted: 2026/08/26 | Published: 2026/06/20
Received: 2026/06/20 | Accepted: 2026/08/26 | Published: 2026/06/20
How to cite this article
Arefian M, Namjoo Shouli F, Zare F, Abedi N. Prevalence and Comparison of General Health, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and PTSD by Demographic and War‑Related Factors Among Iranian Civilians Following the 2026 War: A Cross‑Sectional Study. Iran J War Public Health 2026; 18 (3) :1001-1014
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Abstract (216 Views)
Aims This study investigated the prevalence of psychological distress (general health, depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD symptoms) among Iranian civilians during the 2026 war, examining sociodemographic and war-related correlates.
Methods & Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 21 to April 7, 2026 (three weeks post-onset to the conflict's end). A sample of 956 adults in Shiraz, Iran, completed an online survey containing the GHQ-12, DASS-21, and PCL-5. Group differences were evaluated using t-tests, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Results Moderate‑to‑severe symptoms were reported by 30.4% (GHQ), 15.9% (depression), 22.5% (anxiety), 16.4% (stress), and 22% (PTSD). Significant group differences emerged across all variables. Females reported higher stress than males (p < .01). Younger adults (16‑25 years) had the highest distress scores, the oldest (56‑66) the lowest. Married participants scored higher on depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD than singles (p < .01). Students showed greater distress (p < .05). Higher war exposure (injury or loss of acquaintances) was associated with worse depression, anxiety, stress, and GHQ (p < .05). Daily news consumers had poorer general health and higher PTSD than rare consumers (p < .05). Most notably, participants anticipating Iran’s defeat exhibited the highest distress across all five measures, while those expecting victory showed the lowest (p < .01).
Conclusion Sociodemographic variables and cognitive expectations strongly modulate civilian mental health during acute warfare. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted, early psychological interventions prioritizing youth, married individuals, highly exposed populations, and those experiencing profound existential uncertainty during active conflict.
Methods & Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 21 to April 7, 2026 (three weeks post-onset to the conflict's end). A sample of 956 adults in Shiraz, Iran, completed an online survey containing the GHQ-12, DASS-21, and PCL-5. Group differences were evaluated using t-tests, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Results Moderate‑to‑severe symptoms were reported by 30.4% (GHQ), 15.9% (depression), 22.5% (anxiety), 16.4% (stress), and 22% (PTSD). Significant group differences emerged across all variables. Females reported higher stress than males (p < .01). Younger adults (16‑25 years) had the highest distress scores, the oldest (56‑66) the lowest. Married participants scored higher on depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD than singles (p < .01). Students showed greater distress (p < .05). Higher war exposure (injury or loss of acquaintances) was associated with worse depression, anxiety, stress, and GHQ (p < .05). Daily news consumers had poorer general health and higher PTSD than rare consumers (p < .05). Most notably, participants anticipating Iran’s defeat exhibited the highest distress across all five measures, while those expecting victory showed the lowest (p < .01).
Conclusion Sociodemographic variables and cognitive expectations strongly modulate civilian mental health during acute warfare. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted, early psychological interventions prioritizing youth, married individuals, highly exposed populations, and those experiencing profound existential uncertainty during active conflict.
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