Prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder among Peshmargas, Whom fought against ISIS War in Kurdistan Region Borders

Abstract

Background and objectives: Psychological disturbance is one of the most significant feature
amongst individuals who are served military tasks. This study presented the Post Traumatic
Disorder (PTSD) among the peshmargas (Kurdish military personnel) who joined in ISIS
war. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder
among peshmargas returning from war and to identify the associated factors of PTSD
among the study sample.
Methods: A purposive sample of 113 peshmargas had been studied during the period 1st of
January to 1st of June 2018. The participants’ responses to the PTSD Checklist had been
recorded by the researchers.
Results: The study revealed that 21.24% of peshmargas suffered from some symptoms of
PTSD, more than half (52.21%) of them suffered from moderately to moderately high
severity symptoms, and (26.55%) of them suffered from high severity of PTSD. It has been
concluded that the high prevalence of PTSD among peshmargas needs attention from the
concerned health institutions
Conclusions: Evidence based research on treatment of PTSD among combat soldiers is neglected
internationally. Most studies are needed to diagnosis the PTSD and other Psychological and Psychiatric
disorder among non-deployed and deployed Peshmargas. Further research is needed to study the
impact of positive PTSD on the psychosocial aspect of Peshmargas.