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Volume 18, Issue 3 (2026)
3 2026, 18(3): 283-290 |
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Received: 2026/06/20 | Accepted: 2026/08/26 | Published: 2026/09/7
Received: 2026/06/20 | Accepted: 2026/08/26 | Published: 2026/09/7
How to cite this article
Arefian M, Namjoo Shouli F, Zare F, Abedi N. Prevalence of Psychological Distress by Demographic and War-Related Factors Among Iranian Civilians Post-2026 War. 3 2026; 18 (3) :283-290
URL: http://ijwph.daneshafarand.org/article-3-87259-en.html
URL: http://ijwph.daneshafarand.org/article-3-87259-en.html
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1- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Jahrom University, Jahrom, Iran
Abstract (60 Views)
Aims: This study investigated the prevalence of psychological distress (general health, depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms) among Iranian civilians during the 2026 war and examined sociodemographic and war-related correlates.
Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 21 to April 7, 2026 (from three weeks after the conflict’s onset until its end). A sample of 965 adults in Shiraz, Iran, completed an online survey containing the General Health Questionnaire, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and the Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist. Group differences were evaluated using t-tests, ANOVA, and Kruskal–Wallis tests.
Findings: Moderate-to-severe symptoms were reported by 30.4% of participants for the General Health Questionnaire, 15.9% for depression, 22.5% for anxiety, 16.4% for stress, and 22% for post-traumatic stress disorder. Females reported higher stress levels than males (p<0.01). Younger adults (16-25 years) had the highest distress scores, whereas the oldest adults (56–66 years) had the lowest. Married participants scored higher on depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD than single participants (p<0.01). Students showed greater distress (p<0.05). Greater war exposure, including injury to or loss of acquaintances, was associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and GHQ scores (p<0.05). Participants who consumed news daily had poorer general health and higher PTSD scores than those who consumed news rarely (p<0.05). Most notably, participants who anticipated Iran’s defeat exhibited the highest distress across all five measures, whereas those who expected victory showed the lowest levels (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors and cognitive expectations strongly influence civilian mental health during acute warfare.
Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 21 to April 7, 2026 (from three weeks after the conflict’s onset until its end). A sample of 965 adults in Shiraz, Iran, completed an online survey containing the General Health Questionnaire, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and the Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist. Group differences were evaluated using t-tests, ANOVA, and Kruskal–Wallis tests.
Findings: Moderate-to-severe symptoms were reported by 30.4% of participants for the General Health Questionnaire, 15.9% for depression, 22.5% for anxiety, 16.4% for stress, and 22% for post-traumatic stress disorder. Females reported higher stress levels than males (p<0.01). Younger adults (16-25 years) had the highest distress scores, whereas the oldest adults (56–66 years) had the lowest. Married participants scored higher on depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD than single participants (p<0.01). Students showed greater distress (p<0.05). Greater war exposure, including injury to or loss of acquaintances, was associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and GHQ scores (p<0.05). Participants who consumed news daily had poorer general health and higher PTSD scores than those who consumed news rarely (p<0.05). Most notably, participants who anticipated Iran’s defeat exhibited the highest distress across all five measures, whereas those who expected victory showed the lowest levels (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors and cognitive expectations strongly influence civilian mental health during acute warfare.
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