SynthesisBMJ paediatrics open2026
Post-traumatic stress disorder among children and adolescents affected by armed conflict in East Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BMJ paediatrics open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Unignorable burden of mental health disorders among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: a call for urgent action.BMJ global health · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder that frequently arises following exposure to armed conflict. However, evidence on the pooled prevalence of PTSD and associated factors among children and adolescents in East Africa remains limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of PTSD and identify associated factors among children and adolescents exposed to armed conflict in East Africa.
methodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, HINARI, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PsychiatryOnline, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Cross-sectional studies conducted in East Africa that reported the prevalence of PTSD and/or associated factors among children and adolescents affected by armed conflict were included. Only full-text articles published in English were considered. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Publication bias was evaluated through visual inspection of funnel plots and Egger's test. Results were presented using forest plots and summary tables.
resultsOf the 933 records identified, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of PTSD among children and adolescents in East Africa was 47.8% (95% CI 34.8% to 61.0%). Witnessing the killing of family members or friends (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.11, 95% CI 1.38 to 3.22), experiencing war-related trauma (AOR=2.49, 95% CI 1.54 to 4.03) and female sex (AOR=1.52, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.78) were identified as significantly associated with PTSD.
conclusionThe prevalence of PTSD among children and adolescents in East Africa is high. Exposure to traumatic events and female sex are significantly associated with increased risk of PTSD. Interventions should be context-specific, risk-targeted and gender-sensitive to effectively address the mental health needs of this population. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD420251075395.
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