Self-Reported Anxiety Among Adolescents in Iraq: Insights from a 2006 Study

Introduction

In the spring of 2006, a significant study was conducted to explore the prevalence of anxiety among adolescents in Iraq, a country marked by the psychological toll of ongoing conflict. Published in the SGMOK bulletin (No. 22), this research provides critical insights into the mental health challenges faced by young individuals in a war-affected region. The study, titled "Self-Reported Anxiety Among Adolescents," sheds light on the factors contributing to anxiety and their statistical significance, offering a foundation for understanding the broader implications of war on adolescent mental health.

Background

The psychological impact of war on children and adolescents is a well-documented concern globally. However, prior to this study, few population-based studies had been conducted in Iraq to assess psychiatric morbidity among adolescents. The ongoing conflict in Iraq during the early 2000s created a unique environment of stress, insecurity, and socioeconomic challenges, which likely exacerbated mental health issues among young people. This study aimed to address this gap by examining self-reported anxiety in a large sample of adolescents, providing a snapshot of the mental health landscape in a conflict zone.

Methodology

The study involved a substantial sample of 8,807 adolescents with a mean age of 15.2 years (±1.5 years) and a near-equal male-to-female ratio (1.01:1). Conducted across various governorates in the south and central regions of Iraq, the research employed a household survey approach. Teams visited each household, distributing specially designed forms based on the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, a validated tool for assessing anxiety symptoms in young populations. This method ensured a comprehensive collection of self-reported data, capturing the prevalence and correlates of anxiety in the adolescent population.

Key Findings

The study identified several variables associated with anxiety, with statistical analyses revealing their significance. The results are summarized in the following table, which outlines the standard error (SE) and p-values for each variable:

Significant Variables

               

• Residency (governorate level): The strongest association with anxiety was found at the governorate level (p = 0.001), suggesting that regional differences, possibly due to varying levels of conflict exposure or resource availability, significantly influenced anxiety levels.

               

• Future concerns: Anxiety about the future was a notable factor (p = 0.01, SE = +0.2), reflecting the uncertainty and instability faced by adolescents in a war-torn environment.

               

• Insecurity: Feelings of insecurity were strongly linked to anxiety (p = 0.01), underscoring the impact of living in a conflict zone.

               

• Educational factors: Both the adolescent's educational level (p = 0.03) and the father's educational level (p = 0.04) were significant, indicating that education plays a protective role against anxiety.

               

• War and stressors: Exposure to war (p = 0.02), painful stress (p = 0.03), failure in school (p = 0.02), and concerns about getting a disease (p = 0.02) were all statistically significant contributors to anxiety.

               

• Socioeconomic and political factors: Economic status (p = 0.02) and political status (p = 0.02) also showed significant associations, highlighting the broader societal influences on mental health.

               

• Social interactions: Challenges in dealing with the opposite sex (p = 0.03) were linked to anxiety, reflecting the social pressures faced by adolescents.

           

Non-Significant Variables

               

• Age (p = 0.15) and sex (p = 0.08) showed no significant association with anxiety, suggesting that these demographic factors were less influential in this context.

               

• Desire to study (p = 0.13) and residency (rural or urban) (p = 0.08) also lacked statistical significance, indicating that these factors may have a less direct impact on anxiety levels.

           

Discussion

The findings highlight the profound impact of war-related stressors on adolescent mental health in Iraq. The strong association between residency at the governorate level and anxiety suggests that localized conditions, such as proximity to conflict zones or access to mental health resources, play a critical role. Concerns about the future and feelings of insecurity further exacerbate anxiety, reflecting the pervasive uncertainty in a war-affected society. Educational attainment, both of the adolescents and their fathers, appears to serve as a protective factor, potentially providing a sense of stability and opportunity.

The study also underscores the role of socioeconomic and political factors, which are often intertwined with the effects of war. Economic hardship and political instability contribute to a sense of helplessness, amplifying anxiety. Additionally, social challenges, such as difficulties in interacting with the opposite sex, point to the cultural and developmental pressures faced by adolescents in Iraq.

Implications

This research has important implications for mental health interventions in conflict zones. Addressing anxiety among adolescents requires a multi-faceted approach that considers both individual and societal factors. Interventions could include:

               

• Mental health support programs: Establishing accessible counseling services tailored to adolescents in war-affected regions.

               

• Educational initiatives: Strengthening educational systems to provide stability and hope for the future.

               

• Community-based interventions: Addressing regional disparities by targeting resources to high-risk governorates.

               

• Social support systems: Programs to help adolescents navigate social pressures, such as gender interactions, in culturally sensitive ways.

           

Conclusion

The 2006 study on self-reported anxiety among adolescents in Iraq provides valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by young people in a conflict zone. By identifying key variables associated with anxiety, such as residency, insecurity, and educational factors, the study highlights the need for targeted interventions to support adolescent mental health. These findings remain relevant for understanding the long-term psychological impact of war and for designing effective mental health strategies in similar contexts.

References

               

1. Glanba, A. Focus on Psychiatry in Egypt. Br J Psych 2004; 85: 266-272.

               

2. World Mental Health Survey Consortium. Prevalence, Severity, and Unmet Need for Treatment of Mental Disorders in the World Mental Health Survey. JAMA 2004; 291: 2581-2590.