To systematically synthesize evidence concerning PTSD prevalence, risk factors, and correlates among civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir exposed to prolonged armed conflict.
Approach:
Systematic Review: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, examining empirical studies published through 2025. Sixteen quantitative investigations were included for narrative synthesis.
Key Findings:
PTSD prevalence estimates in community-based adults ranged from 15.9% to 24.5%.
Higher prevalence rates were observed in specific groups: 49.8% among college students and 40% among children meeting PCL-C criteria.
Higher PTSD prevalence was found in women, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, orphans, and individuals with direct conflict-related injuries.
Dose-response associations were noted between cumulative trauma exposure and PTSD.
PTSD symptoms were reported years after exposure and often co-occurred with depression, anxiety, and substance misuse.
The review highlights variability in PTSD prevalence estimates attributable to methodological differences in studies.
Interpretation:
The review highlights significant PTSD prevalence among civilians in Kashmir, influenced by methodological differences in studies.
Limitations:
Substantial variation in study quality.
Dependence on cross-sectional research.
Conclusion:
The findings indicate a demand for psychiatric care in Kashmir that exceeds available capacity, suggesting the need for low-resource intervention options. More consistent assessment methods and study designs, together with additional longitudinal research, are required to reinforce psychiatric epidemiological evidence from armed conflict settings.
