Research Article
Psychological Distress Among Healthcare Providers During the 2023–2025 Israel-Gaza Conflict
Ahmed Hisham Alhaj*
,
Mohammed Jaser Afana,
Hassan M. Abu Rhama
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
60-69
Received:
9 March 2025
Accepted:
20 March 2025
Published:
31 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajap.20251402.12
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Abstract: Healthcare providers in conflict zones face profound psychological challenges that threaten both their well-being and capacity to deliver care. This study examines the mental health burden among 400 healthcare workers at Gaza’s Nasser Medical Complex during the 2023–2025 Israel-Gaza conflict, a period marked by systemic collapse, relentless violence, and resource scarcity. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and a sociodemographic survey were administered to assess psychological distress and its correlates. Results revealed alarming rates of moderate-to-severe symptoms: anxiety affected 84.6% of participants, followed by stress (76.8%) and depression (73.3%). Strikingly, 44.3% reported very severe anxiety, while 29% exhibited very severe depression, underscoring the acute mental health crisis. Statistical analysis identified key risk factors: participants aged 31–39 years, those with 11–15 years of experience, married individuals, and holders of master’s degrees reported significantly higher distress levels (p < 0.05). Stress demonstrated strong positive correlations with anxiety (ρ = 0.855) and depression (ρ = 0.761), suggesting interconnected psychological impacts. Notably, gender and income showed no significant association with distress, contrasting with global trends. These findings highlight the compounding effects of prolonged trauma exposure, ethical dilemmas in triaging care, and the collapse of medical infrastructure. The study underscores the urgent need for context-specific interventions, including trauma-informed counseling for mid-career professionals, peer support networks to alleviate isolation among married providers, and systemic reforms to address resource shortages. Integrating mental health screenings into routine care and prioritizing international aid to rebuild Gaza’s healthcare system are critical to mitigating this crisis. By addressing these unique stressors, policymakers and humanitarian organizations can safeguard both provider well-being and the sustainability of healthcare delivery in conflict-affected regions.
Abstract: Healthcare providers in conflict zones face profound psychological challenges that threaten both their well-being and capacity to deliver care. This study examines the mental health burden among 400 healthcare workers at Gaza’s Nasser Medical Complex during the 2023–2025 Israel-Gaza conflict, a period marked by systemic collapse, relentless violenc...
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