The Relationship Between the Types of Traumatic Events and Well-Being, Post-Traumatic Stress Levels and Gender Differences in Syrian Patients: A Cross-Sectional Controlled Study

Abstract

This study aims to compare the types and frequency of traumatic events in Syrian patients. Additionally, the study investigates the relationship between the types of traumatic events and post-traumatic stress and mental well-being based on gender differences among the Syrians. Sociodemographic form, the Stressful Life Events Screening Questionnaire, the WHO-5 Well Being Index, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised were administered to the Syrian volunteers (n = 207) and a control group. The total number of traumatic experiences were higher in the patient (study) group and men compared to the healthy control group and women. The most significant predictors of the variables for the level of traumatic symptoms were total number of traumatic experiences and having lived in a war zone. Traumatic stress symptoms may be associated with the number and continuity of traumatic events. The number of traumatic events in Syrians could be higher in males. Mental well-being is more associated with daily stress factors than traumatic experiences. Therefore, post-migratory risk and protective factors need to be investigated to comprehend PTSD.