Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Assessment of Happiness Levels Among Syrian University Students

Background Years of ongoing conflict, widespread displacement, and instability in Syria have placed a heavy psychological burden on the country’s population, particularly on its youth. University students, in particular, represent a vulnerable group due to the dual pressures of academic responsibilities and socio-political instability. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD symptoms among a sample of university students across several Syrian governorates and to examine their association with demographic and trauma-related factors. The study also explores overall happiness levels, aiming to provide a more comprehensive view of the psychological impact of conflict and displacement on this population. Methods A cross-sectional analytical observational survey was conducted among 1,034 students from various Syrian universities using an online questionnaire. The instrument included demographic information, exposure to traumatic events, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and the Arabic Scale of Happiness (ASH). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Data analysis incorporated both descriptive and inferential statistics. Associations between categorical variables were examined using chi-square tests. Analyses were conducted with Excel, GraphPad Prism, and Jamovi, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Of the 1,034 participants, 40.62% met the diagnostic cutoff for probable PTSD based on PCL-5 scores. PTSD prevalence did not significantly differ between males and females (p = 0.201). However, significant variations were found across different academic years and university regions. Regarding trauma exposure, 85.4% of participants reported experiencing at least one traumatic event, and 44.51% of those individuals met the criteria for probable PTSD. A significant association was found between the number of years spent in conflict-affected areas and PTSD prevalence (p = 0.0038). Students with probable PTSD symptoms reported lower happiness scores. Conclusion PTSD is prevalent among Syrian university students, particularly among those with prolonged exposure to conflict. Academic stress and regional instability may compound psychological risk. Despite this, happiness levels ranged from moderate to high, which may reflect some degree of resilience. These findings underscore the need for psychological support programs tailored to university students in post-conflict settings.