Impact of War Conflicts on Memory Function Among Lebanese University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Memory loss and cognitive dysfunction have been increasingly linked to exposure to war and conflict, with both immediate and long-term effects on mental health. Cognitive impairment, including memory loss, is a growing public health concern, with studies highlighting associations between arterial stiffness, lifestyle factors, and cognitive function. Lebanon has a high prevalence of memory-related disorders, yet research on memory impairment in this population remains limited. Objectives This study aims to assess memory loss among Lebanese university students exposed to war conflicts, identify associated factors, and evaluate the extent of cognitive decline in this population. It seeks to determine whether memory impairment differs based on gender. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 504 Lebanese university students using a structured questionnaire. Participants were recruited through random sampling, and data on demographic characteristics, war exposure history, and self-reported memory impairments were collected via the Everyday Memomry Questionnaire – Revised (EMQ-R) which consists of 13 items, with a total score ranging from 0 to 52. Two subscale scores were calculated: the retrieval subscale, which ranged from 0 to 28 with a cutoff score of 13, and the attentional subscale, which ranged from 0 to 16 with a cutoff score of 7. Statistical analyses were performed to determine significant associations. Results This study assessed memory performance in Lebanese university students (N = 504) using the EMQ-R. The mean total score was 19.63 (SD = 12.73), with retrieval and attentional subscale means of 11.51 (SD = 7.26) and 5.87 (SD = 4.33). The most common difficulties were checking task completion (15.9% daily) and word-finding issues (15.5% daily). Based on cutoff scores, 37% of males and 63% of females had high retrieval difficulties, while 37.6% of males and 62.4% of females had high attentional difficulties. No significant gender differences were found in retrieval (p = 0.915) or attentional (p = 0.903) memory impairments. Conclusion This study highlights the impact of war-related stress on memory function among Lebanese university students, with impairments in retrieval and attention. Findings align with global and regional research, emphasizing the need for early screening and interventions. Given Lebanon’s socio-economic challenges, prioritizing cognitive health in post-conflict settings is crucial.