Aim: This study examined the psychological impact of conflict on young individuals in Koya city, focusing on the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among students exposed to psychological violence. The research explored how these traumatic experiences affected students' mental health, educational performance, and overall development. The primary aim was to identify the prevalence of PTSD among intermediate school students in Koya.

Method: This research was a cross-sectional study that involved 587 students (272 males and 315 females) from various educational levels (primary, intermediate, and high school) across nine schools in Koya. These students, aged 7-17 years, were exposed to traumatic events. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews, to assess the extent and nature of the trauma experienced. The International Trauma Questionnaire – Child and Adolescent Version (ITQ-CA) was used to assess trauma and PTSD symptoms in the participants.

Results: The findings revealed a high overall prevalence of PTSD symptoms, with 92.0% of the participants reporting symptoms consistent with PTSD. Additionally, 75.8% of the participants met the criteria for Complex PTSD (CPTSD). The results indicated that females exhibited a slightly higher prevalence of PTSD (94.0%) compared to males (89.7%). Similarly, CPTSD was more prevalent among females (78.9%) than males (72.2%).

Conclusion: The study highlighted a significant prevalence of PTSD and CPTSD among the young population in conflict-affected areas, with female students being more susceptible to these conditions than their male counterparts.

Keywords: Iranian bombing, students, conflict, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

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Zaitoon Ahmed Hamad, Faculty of Medicine, Koya University

^{Zaitoon.ahmed@koyauniversity.org}

Darya Rostam Ahmed

ORCID: https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0003-3987-3848

Postal address: Erbil, 44001 – Kurdistan region of Iraq

Email: darya.rostam@koyauniversity.org

Telephone: 00964-751-801-4159

Fax number: None.

Affiliations: ^aDepartment of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Science and Health, Koya University, Koya KOY45, Kurdistan Region – F.R. Iraq