Disability and Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms in the Ukrainian General Population During the 2022 Russian Invasion

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that people with disabilities are disproportionately vulnerable to symptoms of psychological distress after exposure to armed conflict. Past work has also shown that individuals displaced by conflict are at heightened risk of post-traumatic stress. However, we know of no research that has attempted to examine the association between disability severity and post-traumatic stress symptoms in a general population affected by armed conflict. MethodWe examined the association between levels of functional disability in the Ukrainian population and symptoms of post-traumatic stress during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. We analysed data from a national sample of 2000 participants from across this country, assessing disability using the WHODAS-12 (six domains of disability) and the ITQ assessment of ICD-11 PTSD symptomatology. Moderated regression examined the impact of displacement status on the disability-post-traumatic stress relationship. ResultsDifferent domains of disability predicted post-traumatic stress symptoms to varying extents, with overall disability score significantly associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms. This relationship was not moderated by displacement status. Consistent with previous research, females reported higher levels post-traumatic stress. ConclusionsIn a study of a general population during a time of armed conflict individuals with more severe disabilities were at greater risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Psychiatrists and related professionals should consider pre-existing disability as a risk factor for conflict -related post-traumatic stress. Highlights What is already known on this topicPeople with disabilities are vulnerable to a variety of forms of psychological distress after experiencing disasters of various kinds, including armed conflict. However, associations between levels of disability in the general population and post-traumatic stress during a period of conflict have not previously been examined. What this study addsIncreasing severity of functional disability in the general population is associated with increasing post-traumatic stress symptoms in a conflict exposed population. How this study might affect research, practice or policyMental health professionals dealing with conflict affected populations should take account of the additional vulnerabilities caused by disability status, and work to mitigate this by providing access to functional and social support.