Prevalence and Characteristics of Posttraumatic Nightmares in War- and Conflict-Affected Students

Recurrent nightmares are common among children and adolescents living in conflict zones. In a study of 300 students aged 10-12 in the Gaza Strip, 56% reported recurrent nightmares, averaging 4.20 nights per week over 2.48 years. Among a larger sample of 1,093 treatment-seeking students aged 6-17, recurrent traumatic nightmares occurred on average 4.57 nights per week for 2.82 years. Self-reported academic functioning was negatively associated with experiencing nightmares, but not with nightmare frequency or intensity. The findings suggest that students in conflict-affected areas are particularly vulnerable and may benefit from screening and treatment for recurrent posttraumatic nightmares.

Study at a glance

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent nightmares, frequently associated with traumatic experiences, may impair quality of life and daily functioning. However, there have been few studies of posttraumatic nightmares occurring among children and youth, in particular for trauma-exposed populations in conflict zones. METHODS: Using two quantitative data sets, this study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of recurrent nightmares among conflict-exposed young people in the Gaza Strip (N = 300) and examines the characteristics of posttraumatic nightmares and their association with academic functioning among treatment-seeking students in Gaza (N = 1093). RESULTS: Among 300 students (10-12 years old) who lived in the ongoing conflict area in Gaza, nightmares were often mentioned, with 56% reporting recurrent nightmares with an average weekly frequency of 4.20 nights in the past week (SD = 1.94) and a mean duration of 2.48 years (SD = 2.01). Similarly, the large sample of 1093 students (6-17 years of age) who sought help for nightmares and sleep disturbance reported recurrent traumatic nightmares on average 4.57 nights per week, with an average duration of 2.82 years. Their self-reported academic functioning was negatively affected by whether they experienced nightmares but was not associated with nightmare frequency or intensity. DISCUSSION: Given the high prevalence of nightmares and the relation between nightmares and academic functioning, students in conflict-affected areas appear to be a particularly vulnerable group. This study proposes screening and treating conflict-affected students for recurrent posttraumatic nightmares.