Trauma and post-traumatic stress symptoms among internally displaced populations in Yemen: evidence from a mixed-methods study

Abstract Background Prolonged armed conflict has caused widespread internal displacement in Yemen, exposing internally displaced persons (IDPs), including children, to multiple traumatic events and heightened risks of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Despite the scale of displacement, empirical evidence on trauma exposure and mental health needs in this population remains limited. Methods A mixed-methods design was employed, including a quantitative assessment of 321 internally displaced adults and qualitative interviews with 33 caregivers and 21 psychosocial specialists in Yemen. Quantitative data were collected using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Both instruments were completed by adult participants through online self-administered questionnaires. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 33 caregivers and 21 psychosocial specialists. Quantitative analyses involved descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. Results Quantitative findings showed moderate to high levels of trauma exposure (HTQ total mean = 2.95, SD = 0.60) and elevated PTSS (PCL-5 total mean = 2.80, SD = 0.62). Significant positive correlations were observed between trauma exposure and PTSS domains (r = .55–.76, p < .001), with the strongest association between total HTQ and total PCL-5 scores (r = .76). Thematic analysis identified four major themes: (1) exposure to multiple and repeated traumatic events, (2) psychological and behavioral manifestations in children, (3) barriers to psychosocial support, and (4) protective factors and recovery pathways. Conclusions The findings reveal the severe psychological burden faced by IDPs in Yemen and underscore the urgent need for structured, trauma-informed psychosocial and mental health interventions that address both individual symptomatology and broader contextual factors. This evidence can inform targeted support strategies for displaced populations in conflict-affected settings.