Months into the ongoing Gaza conflict, a troubling 68% of Israeli women have reported a significant deterioration in their mental health, with many experiencing new or worsened medical conditions. This data comes from a recent survey by the Briah Foundation, which included responses from women both evacuated from their homes and those who remained.
Conducted between May and June—about eight months after the war began—the survey found that 30% of evacuated women require psychological assistance. Among evacuees, 17% noted worsening physical health, compared to 11% of those who were not evacuated. In terms of mental health, 37% of evacuees reported deterioration, versus 19% of non-evacuees.
Initial surveys shortly after the October 7 Hamas attack indicated a higher rate of health decline among evacuees from the south compared to those from the north. However, after eight months, evacuees from both regions showed similar levels of mental and physical health decline. Approximately 35% of evacuees and 22% of all women surveyed reported new or worsening health issues since the conflict began.
The most common problems reported include psychological distress (22%), hormonal and metabolic changes (22%), and musculoskeletal pain (17%). Other reported issues include headaches, skin problems, and sleep disturbances.
The survey also highlighted an increase in medication usage, with a 132% rise in sleep aid prescriptions among evacuees compared to 58% among non-evacuees. Usage of antidepressants and anxiety medications increased by 61% for evacuees, versus 26% for non-evacuees. Sedative use also saw a rise, with 42% of evacuees taking them compared to 34% of non-evacuees.
Many women have neglected their health needs due to time constraints and family responsibilities. The survey revealed that 56% of women had no time to address health matters, while 38% cited family obligations. Other barriers included unfamiliarity with new medical providers (56%) and lack of orientation in their new locations (38%).
The study, which surveyed 1,059 women—half of whom were evacuees—was presented at the Association of Public Health Physicians conference. Researchers concluded that the ongoing conflict and displacement have a profound and enduring impact on women’s mental and physical health, with evacuees facing more severe challenges.
Dr. Galit Neufeld Kroszynski from Tel Aviv University, who led the research, emphasized the importance of addressing the specific health needs of women during wartime. She noted that while some evacuees in larger cities with better medical services experienced improved access, those in less serviced areas, like the Dead Sea, faced greater difficulties.
Dr. Sapir Bitton, a psychiatry resident and research partner, underscored the urgency of creating tailored health responses for women affected by the conflict. She stressed the need for proactive and trauma-informed care to prevent further long-term health issues.
As the conflict persists, the call for comprehensive health rehabilitation and follow-up care for affected women becomes increasingly critical.
