Citation

Abu-Mourada T, Koutis A, Alegakis A, Markaki A, Jildeh C, Lionis CD, Philalithis A. Med. Conflict. Surviv. 2010; 26(1): 68-79.

Affiliation

Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece. tayserm@gmail.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

20411856

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The population in the Gaza Strip has been living under chronically stressful conditions as a result of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. OBJECTIVES: To identify health complaints reported by attendants consulting primary care physicians in the Gaza Strip. METHODS: The study took place in 10 governmental primary health care centres and 5 clinics of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in the Gaza Strip, during autumn 2005. Self-reported health complaints were recorded through face-to-face interviews with 956 respondents using a validated and reliable questionnaire. RESULTS: Abdominal pain and headache were the most frequent complaints reported among patients aged 18 to 44 years, accounting for 23.3% and 22.7% of total complaints in males and females, respectively. Fatigue and joint pain were the most common complaints among patients aged 45 years and above, accounting for 26% and 33.9% of total complaints in males and females, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The most common complaints, as reported by patients attending PHC facilities were stress-related and could be attributed to the ongoing conflict and high level of violence and uncertainty in the area. These complaints present a challenge to primary care providers in their efforts to improve the everyday quality of life of Palestinian residents with scarce means and resources.

Language: en