Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Healthcare Providers Amid the Conflict in Sudan: A Call for Immediate Policy Action

Background Healthcare providers (HCPs) working in conflict settings face heightened risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet empirical evidence from Sudan remains scarce. This study assessed the prevalence, severity, and predictors of PTSD and examined coping strategies among HCPs operating amid the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between February and March 2025 among 528 HCPs practicing in five conflict-adjacent Sudanese states. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that covered sociodemographic characteristics, trauma exposure, institutional support, and mental health outcomes. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R), with scores ≥ 33 indicating probable PTSD. Coping strategies were measured using the Brief COPE Inventory. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify predictors of PTSD. Results The prevalence of probable PTSD was 43.2% (95% CI: 39.0–47.4%), with 35.4% reporting severe symptoms. Higher PTSD risk was independently associated with exposure to three or more traumatic events (AOR = 3.41, 95% CI: 2.07–5.61), lack of crisis-management training (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.34–3.89), and working more than 48 hours per week (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.08–3.30). Younger age and fewer years of experience were also significant predictors. Maladaptive coping strategies, particularly self-blame and behavioral disengagement, showed strong positive correlations with PTSD severity, whereas acceptance demonstrated a modest protective association. Conclusions A substantial proportion of Sudanese HCPs are experiencing clinically significant PTSD amid ongoing conflict. These findings highlight an urgent need to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into emergency health responses, strengthen institutional protection, and expand trauma-informed training. Protecting the psychological well-being of frontline providers is essential for sustaining healthcare delivery in fragile and conflict-affected settings.