PREVALENCE OF SUICIDAL RISK AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH 2023 WAR EXPOSURE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN PALESTINE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Date
2026-05-12
Authors
Raghad S. Razem
Mohammad F. Zhour
Shahd T. Natsheh
Rama Dweik
Malak T. Etkaidek
Shams Shahateet
Israa Neal Mezyed
Saleem Hossam Helles
Mahmoud S. Alhaddad
Beesan Maraqa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Deanship of Scientific Research - Al-Quds University
Abstract
Background: Medical students are particularly susceptible to psychological distress, which may be intensified in conflict settings. Following the 2023 war in Palestine, concerns have emerged regarding the compounded impact of trauma exposure and academic stress on suicidality.
Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of suicidal risk among Palestinian medical students and examine its association with direct and indirect war-related exposure, as well as mental health factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2025 among medical students across universities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This abstract presents a preliminary analysis of a randomly selected subset (n = 510). Participants completed a structured bilingual questionnaire incorporating validated measures: the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and a 13-item War Exposure Score.