A web-based analysis of public concern about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Ukraine during the 2022 military conflict: An infodemiological study

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Behavioral Sciences

Document Type

Article

Source Title

European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation

Publication Date

2022

Abstract

Background: The 2022 military conflict in Ukraine has led to multiple traumas, including the loss of property, income, businesses, homes, life, and loved ones of millions of individuals. Thus, there is a need to examine the trauma-related needs in Ukraine, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.)
Method: This study utilized an infodemiological design by exploring the keyword Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (Topic) in Google Trends from 2022 January 1 to 2022 March 16 in Ukraine. As an alternative measure for public concern, Relative Search Volume (RSV) and Interest by Region were described and compared
Results: This study found rising public concern about PTSD in Ukraine, as manifested by an almost 50% increase in searches for PTSD between January and March 2022. The regions with the highest searches were Odessa, Zakarpats'ka, Kyiv city, Zhytomyrs'ka, Vinnyts'ka, Cherkas'ka, Kharkiv, Lviv, Kyivs'ka oblast, and Rivnens'ka.
Conclusion: This study showed the possible application of infodemiological methods in military conflict zones. Given these, humanitarian efforts can include PTSD-related services in regions with the most sig-nificant concern and relative safety. Likewise, future analysis can determine where there is substantial public concern regarding PTSD. Moreover, countries receiving refugees should offer PTSD screening and services.(c) 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

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Digitial Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/j.ejtd.2022.100286

Disciplines

Peace and Conflict Studies

Keywords

Post-traumatic stress disorder--Ukraine

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