Is conflict a factor in a population's quality of life? A cross-sectional study in the Palestinian Territories

How does the presence of long-term conflict impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the occupied Palestinian Territories (oPt)? Due to the unique characteristics of the conflict, as well as its sheer length, the Palestinian context has long been the focus of public health researchers and policymakers. The ongoing occupation in the West Bank has degraded the healthcare system in multiple ways; from the inability of ailing patients to access care due to checkpoints and other travel restrictions, to high population levels of mental distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, with limited mental health resources. However, existing studies focus primarily on indicators within the Palestinian population itself that impact HRQoL, and not the extent to which the presence of the conflict and its consequences disturb physical and mental health outcomes. The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of long-term conflict by comparing HRQoL in the oPt and the neighboring country of Jordan, as well as to assess how demographic factors such as socioeconomic status and household size can moderate or aggravate this impact. The potential mediating factors of insecurity and perceived stress will also be assessed. This study found that the presence of conflict was not the most significant predictor of low HRQoL. The mitigating factor of a traditional foundation of mental resilience in Palestinian culture is addressed as a potential explanation for this result. The implications of this study are wide-ranging, particularly in its ability to contribute to health care policy recommendations in war-affected areas, and to bolster our understanding of the health status of those living in war and their needs.