61. Nedal ,G., Yehia, A. Effects of non-fatal injuries during the war on Gaza Strip on quality of life: a cross-sectional study.2008.

TBackground On Dec 27, 2008, the Israeli Army began the Cast Lead operation against the Gaza Strip, occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), that resulted in the deaths of nearly 1400 people, and injuries to more than 5380. The effects of non-fatal injuries during the war on the Gaza Strip from Dec 27, 2008, to Jan 18, 2009, on the quality of life were assessed.

A cross-sectional study was done in the Rafah Governorate, which had been directly affected by the war. A total of 274 injured people completed the self-constructed questionnaire. Findings Most of the injured individuals were men [81%] aged 15–49 years. (55%) were injured during the first week of war. For all outcomes, the quality of life was low for the study population compared with other US and Turkish general populations. Interpretation An increase in the numbers of mental health services and facilities is needed to care for people affected by the Israeli war.