Abstract
Problem Identification: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a public health concern among youth aged 10-18 in Gaza due to prolonged exposure to war, violence, and displacement. These experiences cause long-term psychological distress and impair emotional and cognitive development. Ongoing instability and limited access to mental health resources underscore the urgent need for intervention to prevent the progression of PTSD.
Analysis:This intervention utilizes the Social Ecological Model to examine contributing factors to the progression of PTSD among Gazan youth across individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels. The three interconnected factors chosen for this project include limited coping mechanisms, separation from caregivers, and restricted access to mental health professionals.
Intervention (Solution) Proposal:The intervention aims to reduce the further progression of PTSD among Gazan youth aged 10–18 through weekly in-person and virtual health education classes, activities, and mental health services. The intervention seeks to restore a sense of normalcy to the youth by providing services to strengthen their mental health and well-being. Partnering up with intergovernmental organizations will support the program by providing resources for youth to reduce the further progression of PTSD.
Implementation and Evaluation:The program will be implemented in collaboration with international organizations experienced in similar humanitarian settings. To evaluate the program’s effectiveness, the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) will be administered throughout the program. A non-experimental multi-series design will be used to assess changes in PTSD symptoms, and a paired t-test will analyze the differences in PCL-5 scores over time to determine if the program is effective in reducing the progression of PTSD in Gazan children.