Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Sudanese Refugees in Egypt after the April 2023 Sudan War

Objectives: The April 2023 war in Sudan displaced over 6.6 million individuals, with numerous refugees seeking asylum in Egypt, where they face elevated risks of mental health crises. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Sudanese refugees in Egypt and identify associated sociodemographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey utilizing the Arabic PCL-5 questionnaire was conducted with 400 Sudanese refugees to assess PTSD symptoms and sociodemographic variables. Results: The prevalence of PTSD was 70.8%, with younger individuals and those with a history of mental illness exhibiting greater symptom severity. No significant differences in PTSD prevalence were observed between refugees who entered Egypt through legal and illegal means. Conclusions: These findings indicate a high prevalence of PTSD among Sudanese refugees, underscoring the urgent need for mental health interventions. Further qualitative research is needed to explore the psychosocial effects of displacement.