What the study found
The study found a high prevalence of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Sudanese refugees in Cairo. It also found that prior psychiatric history and caregiving responsibilities were associated with meeting the threshold for probable PTSD.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that these preliminary findings show a high psychological burden among Sudanese refugees in Egypt and underscore the acute nature of the crisis. They say this indicates a need to integrate culturally sensitive mental health screening and psychosocial interventions into refugee response frameworks.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a pilot cross-sectional survey of 397 Sudanese refugees recruited in Cairo through convenience snowball sampling. They used the Arabic version of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), a symptom questionnaire for posttraumatic stress disorder, and collected information on displacement history and sociodemographic factors.
What worked and what didn't
The prevalence of probable PTSD in this sample was 70.8%. Multivariate analysis showed significant associations with prior psychiatric history and caregiving responsibilities, while younger adults reported higher symptom scores. Age was not a significant predictor in the adjusted model, and there were no significant differences in prevalence between refugees who entered Egypt legally and those who entered through unauthorized routes.
What to keep in mind
This was a pilot study with a convenience snowball sample, so the findings are preliminary. The abstract does not describe other limitations beyond the call for further longitudinal research to examine long-term effects of displacement.
Key points
- Probable PTSD was found in 70.8% of the sampled Sudanese refugees in Cairo.
- Prior psychiatric history and caregiving responsibilities were associated with probable PTSD.
- Younger adults had higher symptom scores, but age was not significant in the adjusted model.
- No significant prevalence difference was seen between legal and unauthorized entry routes.
- The authors call for culturally sensitive mental health screening and psychosocial interventions.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Probable PTSD was common among Sudanese refugees in Cairo
- Authors:
- Aseel Hisham MohamedAbdelhalim Hakim Huss, Shaza Hassan, Ola Hatim Abdelbari Elniema, Galal Eldeen Elturabi Galal Khalifa, Mohamed Hisham MohamedAbdelhalim Hakim Huss, Muathal Hisham MohamedAbdelhalim Hakim Huss
- Institutions:
- University of Bahri, University of Khartoum, University of Khartoum
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-08
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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