Darya Rostam Ahmed
@koyauniversity.org
Clinical psychology
Koya university
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Clinical Psychology, Epidemiology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Mental health
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Darya Rostam Ahmed, Karwan Kakabra Kakamad, Rania H. Al-Taie, and Reinhard Heun
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Globally, depression and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) are among the most common mental health conditions. In Iraq, decades of war, displacement, economic hardship, and an under-resourced mental health infrastructure have contributed to an increasing mental health burden. Aim This study aimed to explore the prevalence of depression and GAD and examine sociodemographic correlates in a nationwide sample in Iraq. Method A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2024 to February 2025 in Iraq using a hybrid approach, relying mainly on in-person recruitment and supplemented with an online survey in remote areas to improve inclusion. A total of 3,107 participants aged ≥ 18 years completed the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlations, and simple linear regression to estimate prevalence, compare groups, assess comorbidity, and evaluate predictive relationships. Results Among 3,107 adults (56.2% female; mean age = 35.6 years), severe depression was found in 20.4% of the general sample (Middle / South 22.3% vs. KRI 19.3%), and severe anxiety was 12.0% of the general sample (Middle / South 14.5% vs. KRI 10.6%). Female, widowed/separated adults, younger adults (18–35 years) and those with lower socioeconomic status or poorer health showed significantly higher levels (all p < .001). Anxiety was strongly correlated with depression ( r = .792, p < .001) and predicted depressive symptoms (R 2 = 0.628). Conclusion This study found high levels of depression and anxiety in the sample, with higher symptoms reported in the middle and southern provinces. Anxiety and depression were strongly associated and several sociodemographic groups showed elevated vulnerability. These results highlight the need for accessible, context-sensitive mental health support in Iraq and should be interpreted considering sampling and methodological limitations.
Darya Rostam Ahmed, Mohammad Al Diab Al Azzawi, Jaafar O. Ahmed, Amr Elzahaby, Ayham Mohammad Hussein, and Reinhard Heun
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Darya Rostam Ahmed, Hazhar Talaat Abubaker Blbas, and Jaafar O Ahmed
Türkiye Yeşilay Cemiyeti / Turkish Green Crescent Society
Mental health problems and addiction are interconnected public health concerns among adolescents. The objective was to examine the estimated prevalence and identify shared predictors of mental health and addiction problems among Iraqi adolescents using data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS). Data from 1611 students aged 11–16 years were analyzed. Binary outcomes were derived from Global School-Based Student Health Survey items; Chi-square tests and logistic regression examined associations with demographics and psychosocial factors. Overall, 10.3% reported mental health problems and 2.1% exhibited substance use problems . Beyond prevalence, the risk of substance addiction was substantially higher among students with mental health problems; female students had higher odds of mental health problems, while male students had a higher odd of substance addiction. Bullying and the lack of close friendships were strongly associated with substance addictions, and smoking and drug use were strong predictors of mental health distress. Older age and higher grade were associated with increased mental health problems. Emotional distress and risky behaviors co-occur and cluster around social adversities (bullying, weak peer ties) in Iraqi schools. This study provides the first national analysis of Iraq’s Global School-Based Student Health Survey data to jointly examine mental health and substance use problems and their shared social predictors, establishing a baseline for trend comparisons. The findings support early integrated, school-based approaches that are gender-responsive, incorporate bullying prevention and peer support structures, and link to cessation and referral pathways in school and primary care systems. These data offer concrete goals for Ministries of Health/Education when updating school health programs and child protection policies.
Darya Rostam Ahmed, Sujita Kumar Kar, Mohammad Al Diab Al Azzawi, and Reinhard Heun
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Darya Rostam Ahmed, Sara K. Kamal, Sarah Mahmoud Mesbah, Jehad Feras AlSamhori, and Reinhard Heun
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Darya Rostam Ahmed, Sujita Kumar Kar, Reinhard Heun, Munawar Hraib, and Cyrine Ali Deeb
Elsevier BV
Darya R. Ahmed
Narra Sains Indonesia
Life expectancy is a vital demographic indicator reflecting the health and well-being of a population. The aim of this study was to analyze life expectancy trends in Iraq from 1950 to 2024 using Worldometer data aggregated from United Nations statistics. The Iraqi population increased from 6.37 million in 1955 to 46.04 million in 2024, representing a 623% increase, with urbanization rising from 38.4% to 71.8%. Fertility rates declined from 6.0 live births per woman in 1955 to 3.2 in 2024, peaking at 7.1 in 1970 before steadily decreasing. Life expectancy improved significantly from 37.4 years in 1950 to 72.4 years in 2024, with a narrowing gender gap: life expectancy for men increased from 34.3 years in 1950 to 70.5 years in 2024, while for women, it rose from 41 years to 74.2 years over the same period. The median age also increased slightly, from 19.5 years in 1955 to 20.6 years in 2024. Infant mortality rates dropped dramatically, from 206.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1950 to 18.7 in 2024, and under-five mortality fell from 357.9 to 22.4. Despite historical conflicts, improvements in healthcare and living conditions highlight Iraq’s dynamic demographic changes, presenting the ongoing challenges and opportunities posed by its rapid growth and urbanization.
Darya Rostam Ahmed, Karwan Kakabra Kakamad, Rania H. Al-Taie, Jaafar O. Ahmed, and Reinhard Heun
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Background Iraq is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and it is faced with extreme heat, drought and environmental degradation. Aims To examine the prevalence of climate anxiety and its association with depression and generalised anxiety disorder in the Iraqi population. Method A cross-sectional survey recruited 1019 adult participants (47.8% males, 52.2% females). Most participants were aged 18–41 years (n = 854, 83.8%); 16.2% (n = 165) were aged 42–72 years. Regionally, 75.6% (n = 770) were from the Kurdistan Region and 24.4% (n = 249) from provinces in central and southern Iraq. The study used the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Statistical analyses, included descriptive analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), t-tests, Pearson’s correlations and regression models, examined variations in climate anxiety by demographics and associations with depression and anxiety. Results Overall, 71.4% of participants reported severe climate anxiety, with a higher prevalence in the Kurdistan Region (73.2%) compared with central and southern Iraq (65.9%). Five provinces were found to have significantly higher levels of climate anxiety: Ninawa, Basrah, Najaf, Duhok and Erbil. Age was a significant predictor, and older participants (42–72 years) reported higher levels than younger participants (P = 0.008). A positive correlation was observed between climate anxiety and both depression (r = 0.382, P < 0.001) and generalised anxiety (r = 0.361, P < 0.001). Simple linear regression revealed that climate anxiety was significantly associated with both depression (β = 0.25, P < 0.001) and generalised anxiety (β = 0.214, P < 0.01), accounting for the 14.6 and 13% variance, respectively. Conclusions Climate anxiety is prevalent in Iraq and significantly associated with mental health problems. The findings endorse the need for integration of mental health into Iraq’s national climate adaptation and public health policies.
Darya Rostam Ahmed, Jaafar O. Ahmed, Faisal Mustafa Braim, Sujita Kumar Kar, and Reinhard Heun
Informa UK Limited
Sirwan Khalid Ahmed, Darya Rostam Ahmed, Radhwan Hussein Ibrahim, Safin Hussein, Hazhar Talaat Abubaker Blbas, Kochr Ali Mahmood, Karzan Qurbani, Abdulmalik Fareeq Saber, and Araz Qadir Abdalla
SAGE Publications
Background and Objective Mental health has emerged as a critical public health priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this review was to analyze and summarize existing literature on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the general population in Iraq. Methods The systematic reviews were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO with the unique identifier CRD42023423291. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus,Medline, and Google Scholar in May 2023 for studies published from January 2020 to January 2023. The researchers used the Joanna Briggs Institute to evaluate the quality of the studies. Data from all the included research in this review were collected and synthesized. Results This review included data from 11 high-quality studies conducted in Iraq, involving a total of 8,917 participants. Of these participants, 4,860 (54.5%) were female and 4,057 (45.5%) were male. The aim of these studies was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on mental health. The systematic review yielded important findings regarding the prevalence rates of anxiety, stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These rates were estimated to be 54.89%, 48.15%, 49.57%, and 31.35% respectively. It is worth noting that various demographic groups in Iraq exhibited elevated levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, highlighting the significant burden experienced by individuals. These findings emphasize the wide-ranging effects on different segments of the population, including college students and individuals with a history of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion This review highlights the substantial impact of COVID-19 on mental health in Iraq, noting increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD among various groups. The findings consistently showed a significant mental health burden on Iraqis, urging healthcare authorities and policymakers to implement targeted interventions to address these challenges promptly.
Darya Rostam Ahmed and Mohammad Al Diab Al Azzawi
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
AbstractWeapons of mass destruction (WMDs) have profoundly shaped global conflict and security landscapes throughout history. From the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the chemical attack in Halabja, these catastrophic events underscored the devastating potential of WMDs on health, humanity, ecosystems, and international stability. This study explored the immediate and long-term impacts of WMDs, analyzing historical precedents and current global conflicts to highlight ongoing risks. Emphasizing the urgent need for international disarmament and non-proliferation efforts, the study aimed to raise awareness of the humanitarian, psychological, and ecological consequences of WMD use. By examining the geopolitical hotspots and the humanitarian crises they generated, it called for proactive crisis prevention strategies and enhanced global cooperation to mitigate the catastrophic effects of WMDs and protect global security.
Darya Rostam Ahmed, Mohammad Al Diab Al Azzawi, and Reinhard Heun
ECO-Vector LLC
BACKGROUND: The Maslow's hierarchy of needs (Maslow's pyramid) and the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) pyramid are integral frameworks in humanitarian settings whose aim is to address individual and community needs. However, confusion often arises among non-governmental organization (NGO) workers about the application and differentiation of these models.AIM: This study aims to investigate the extent of confusion among NGO workers in Iraq as regards the Maslow's and MHPSS pyramids, identify the causes of this confusion, and explore its implications in the context of humanitarian mental health support.METHODS: A pilot descriptive study was conducted in December 2023 through an online survey involving 61 local NGO workers from MHPSS components in Iraq. We created a measure to assess the participants’ familiarity with both models, their perceived differences, and their views on the models’ applicability in humanitarian contexts.RESULTS: Male participants represented 55.7% (n=34) of the sample, while females accounted for 44.3% (n=27). Most participants were aged 25–34 (57%, n=35) and 35–44 (34%, n=21). A majority held bachelor’s degrees (67.2%, n=41), with 21.3% (n=13) holding master’s degrees. In terms of occupation, 49.2% (n=30) were engaged in the protection sector (gender-based violence and child protection), followed by health (19.7%, n=12), education (4.9%, n=3), and MHPSS staff roles in other sectors (26.2%, n=16). The study revealed that 54.1% (n=33) of the participants struggled to understand or differentiate between Maslow's and MHPSS pyramids. The causes of this confusion were related to perceived structural similarities (18.03%, n=11), lack of awareness and knowledge about the MHPSS pyramid (63.93%, n=39), and a combination of both (18.03%, n=11).CONCLUSION: The study underscores the importance of better training and education for NGO workers to improve their understanding of the Maslow's and MHPSS pyramids. Addressing this knowledge gap can increase efficacy in humanitarian aid provision, ensuring that individual and community needs are adequately met in crisis situations.
Darya Rostam Ahmed and Reinhard Heun
Elsevier BV
Harem Nareeman Mahmood, Darya Rostam Ahmed, Sina Neldner, and Frank Neuner
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
AbstractThe Anfal genocide, including the infamous Halabja chemical attack, has imprinted deep scars on the Kurdish community in Iraq that lasted for decades. Despite significant historical documentation, the enduring psychological impact on survivors is less examined. This systematic review synthesizes existing research to address this gap. Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, this review systematically searched databases for scholarly articles examining the mental health of Kurdish survivors following the 1988 Anfal genocide, with a focus on PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Of the initial 201 articles identified, seven met the inclusion criteria. These studies were subjected to a thorough data extraction and qualitative synthesis, and their quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The selected studies encompassed a combined sample of 760 participants, ranging in age from 7 to 92 years. The findings revealed high prevalence rates of PTSD, particularly in children, with a prevalence rate of 87%. In adults, PTSD and depression prevalence rates in unselected samples were estimated at 86.2% and 49%, respectively. Qualitative findings from survivors reveal a complex interplay of depression, intrusive memories, and societal isolation, compounded by poverty and discrimination, with health concerns like respiratory and ocular problems further exacerbating psychological distress. However, non-representative samples and absence of control groups limit result generalization. The literature reviewed indicates substantial psychological distress among the Anfal genocide survivors, underscoring an urgent need for targeted mental health interventions. Future research needs representative samples and validated tools for precise prevalence assessment and comprehensive impact understanding.
Darya Rostam Ahmed
SAGE Publications
Genocide attempts are among the most severe traumatic events that are transmitted across generations. However, it may also prove the strength and survivability as well as the vulnerability of the targeted group. Anfal and chemical attacks on Halabja on Iraqi Kurds that targeted their annihilation had a devastating impact. Many survivors and their generations are still dealing with their effects on psychological disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. To address the psychological effects of these tragic events on survivors and their generations and propose the actions to be taken, this article explores the psychological trauma and problems caused by attempted genocide and chemical attacks in the case of Anfal campaign. These effects require more research to fully understand the long-term effects of these tragedies, as well as support and provision of comprehensive psychological and mental health interventions to their survivors and generations.
Darya Rostam Ahmed
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Darya Rostam Ahmed, Sarah Mahmoud Mesbah, Mohammad Al Diab Al Azzawi, and Reinhard Heun
Informa UK Limited
This study aimed to examine the mental health issues and trauma faced by Iraqi IDPs post-2014. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, identifying 208 articles. After excluding 190 articles for duplication and ineligibility, we ultimately included 18 studies. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical evaluation checklist was used for quality assessment. Studies involved 5,764 participants from diverse ethno-religious groups including Arabs, Kurds, Christians, and Yazidis. Participants were mostly female (55.5%), male (38.4%), and the smallest and largest study samples were 29 and 1,256, respectively. Ages ranged from 12.18 to 43.34 years. The results revealed a high prevalence of PTSD at 61.9%, with depression and anxiety rates at 49% and 51%, respectively, and suicidal behaviours at 67.5%. Among IDP subgroups, PTSD and suicidal behaviours were particularly high among Yazidi-enslaved girls and women, at 90.6% and 67.55% respectively. Major trauma exposures included forced displacement, encounters with combat and violence, enslavement, and witnessing the death or abuse of relatives. Critical contributing factors to mental health problems were gender (being female), economic instability, prolonged displacement, exposure to combat, experiences of rape and torture, and limited access to services. The mental health support of this vulnerable population is critical.
Dastan Tareq Faeq, Darya Rostam Ahmed, Izaddin Ahmad Aziz, and Murat Yıldırım
Informa UK Limited
Tobacco use poses significant public health concerns, linked to various mental and physical health outcomes. Iraq has a high prevalence of smoking, predominantly with traditional cigarettes, but there is also growing popularity of electronic cigarettes and waterpipes among younger and middle-aged adults. This study aims to explore the perceptions and usage of traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and waterpipes among this population in Iraq. A descriptive study was conducted among 402 young and middle-aged adults (50.25% females), aged between 18 and 45 years, with a mean age of 25.88 (SD = 7.27). For the data collection, an online questionnaire was developed utilizing distribution channels on common social networking platforms. The results showed that 41.79% of respondents have used traditional cigarettes, while 31.1% of participants reported that they use electronic cigarettes. Ninety-four per cent of respondents acknowledged that they use waterpipes. The results also indicated that a significant proportion believe that using electronic cigarettes is either much more harmful or more harmful than traditional cigarettes. Participants commonly perceived all three types of tobacco products as highly harmful, including secondhand smoke, addictive qualities, and popularity among peers. Additionally, significant differences in perceptions emerged between smokers and nonsmokers regarding electronic cigarettes and traditional cigarettes, although no such differences were observed for waterpipes. These findings contribute to understanding the attitudes toward different forms of tobacco use among respondents, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address the perceived harm associated with tobacco products.
Darya Rostam Ahmed
Elsevier BV
Darya Rostam Ahmed
SAGE Publications
Background: Self-immolation is one of the most brutal suicide methods and is a significant social and medical problem throughout the world. Self-immolation is more common in low-income countries than in high-income countries. Aim: The aim is to evaluate the trends in self-immolation and examine its frequency in Iraq. Methods: The PRISMA guideline was used to conduct this systematic review study. We searched for publications in English, Arabic and Kurdish in PubMed and Google Scholar. A total of 105 publications were identified through the search; however, 92 were eliminated due to duplication and irrelevant content. Finally, 13 full articles were included for data extraction. The inclusion criteria were articles that investigated self-immolation. However, letters to editors and media reports on self-immolation were excluded. The retrieved studies were selected, reviewed and then quality assessed. Results: This study included 13 articles. According to the findings, self-immolation accounted for 26.38% of all burn admissions in the Iraqi provinces and the Kurdistan region, with 16.02% of those occurring in the middle and southern provinces of Iraq and 36.75% in the Kurdistan region. It is more common in women than in men, especially among young, married, illiterate, or poorly educated people. Sulaymaniyah had a higher percentage of self-immolation than other governorates in Iraq, accounting for 38.3% of burn admissions. Cultural and social norms, domestic violence, mental health problems, family conflicts and financial problems were identified as the most common causes of self-immolation. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-immolation is high among the Iraqi population, compared to other countries, particularly among the Kurdish population and in Sulaymaniyah. Self-immolation is relatively common among women. There are sociocultural factors that could contribute to this problem. Families must be restricted from having easy access to kerosene, and high-risk individuals should have access to psychological consultation to reduce the risk of self-immolation.
Darya Rostam Ahmed and Reinhard Heun
Elsevier BV
Sirwan Khalid Ahmed, Kuldeep Dhama, Salar Omar Abdulqadir, Rukhsar Muhammad Omar, Darya Rostam Ahmed, Chiranjib Chakraborty, and AbdulRahman A. Saied
Elsevier BV
Darya Rostam Ahmed
Korean Neuropsychiatric Association
Based on the author’s clinical experience, the aim of this paper is to conceptually analyse the theory of psychological functioning and action mechanisms in the way mindfulness meditation works. Meditation is a method of revealing unconsciousness. It works in a similar way to the inhibitory and excitatory mechanisms of neurones. Block pathogenic thoughts and emotions that reach the unconscious to the conscious mind. The long-term implementation of mediation may be more effective than the short-term and interrupted implementation.
Darya Rostam Ahmed
Springer Science and Business Media LLC