International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Research(IJADR)
ISSN: 3070-6637 | DOI: 10.33140/IJADR
Risk Factors and War-Related Exposures Associated with Schizophrenia among Hospitalized Patients in Sana’a, Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Dr. Amr A. A. Al-Khorasani, Ali A. Al-Zaazaai, Mohammed A. Muqaddar, Mohammed A. Alrumaim, Murtada Abdulrahman, Ahmed Al srori, Osama O. Omirah, Tariq M. Alqadhi, Abdulaziz I. Alsubaihi, Abdulrahman K. Alkhaiwani, Hashem M. Abdullateef, Ibrahim A. Al-Junaid, Ibrahim M. Alfaqih, Mabrouk A. Altaibi and Rawiah M. Habal
Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder with multifactorial etiology. In conflict-affected countries such as Yemen, prolonged war exposure may modify the risk profile of schizophrenia; however, empirical data remain scarce.
Objectives: To identify socio-demographic, clinical, behavioral, genetic, and war-related risk factors associated with schizophrenia among hospitalized patients in Sana’a, Yemen.
Methods: A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Amal Psychiatric Hospital, Sana’a, including 150 patients with confirmed schizophrenia admitted during 2023. Data were collected using medical records and structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results: All participants were male; most were aged 20–39 years. Positive psychotic symptoms were highly prevalent. Significant risk factors included cannabis use (OR = 3.4, p < 0.001), khat chewing (OR = 2.9, p = 0.001), cigarette smoking (OR = 2.1, p = 0.007), family history of schizophrenia (OR = 2.6, p = 0.002), childhood trauma (OR = 2.5, p = 0.013), and war-related exposures such as direct bombing and forced displacement. More than half of patients achieved clinical remission; however, 34% developed significant complications.
Conclusion: Schizophrenia among hospitalized patients in Yemen is strongly associated with substance use, genetic vulnerability, childhood trauma, and prolonged exposure to armed conflict. These findings highlight the need for traumainformed mental health services in conflict-affected settings.