Trauma and mental health problems among Iraqi IDPs following the 2014 ISIS Invasion: a systematic review

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the mental health issues and trauma faced by Iraqi IDPs post-2014. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, identifying 208 articles. After excluding 190 articles for duplication and ineligibility, we ultimately included 18 studies. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical evaluation checklist was used for quality assessment. Studies involved 5,764 participants from diverse ethno-religious groups including Arabs, Kurds, Christians, and Yazidis. Participants were mostly female (55.5%), male (38.4%), and the smallest and largest study samples were 29 and 1,256, respectively. Ages ranged from 12.18 to 43.34 years. The results revealed a high prevalence of PTSD at 61.9%, with depression and anxiety rates at 49% and 51%, respectively, and suicidal behaviours at 67.5%. Among IDP subgroups, PTSD and suicidal behaviours were particularly high among Yazidi-enslaved girls and women, at 90.6% and 67.55% respectively. Major trauma exposures included forced displacement, encounters with combat and violence, enslavement, and witnessing the death or abuse of relatives. Critical contributing factors to mental health problems were gender (being female), economic instability, prolonged displacement, exposure to combat, experiences of rape and torture, and limited access to services. The mental health support of this vulnerable population is critical.