ABSTRACT
This cross-sectional multicentre-based study determined the magnitude of relapse, long hospital stay and factors of mental illness associated with a history of childhood trauma. We assessed 335 adult psychiatric patients and living in conflict areas, using a questionnaire established from items of the Adverse Childhood Experience International Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Rosenberg Self-esteem Questionnaire, Relapse Assessment Tool, and Self-report of hospital stay. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations between predictors and relapse and long hospital stay. 298 participants (88.9%) had experienced childhood adversities, among which 44.4% reported more than five childhood traumas. Relapse occurred in 40.9% of participants, whereas long hospital stay occurred in 71.1% of cases. Predictors of long hospital stay were emotional abuse, substance use and living in rural settings. Being an employed and experiencing a childhood trauma committed by a parent increase the likelihood risk of relapse of mental illness associated with childhood trauma. Being treated by childhood trauma-focused interventions decreases the risk of relapse and shorter the length of hospital stay. Building a mental health capacity should be centered on detecting patients with childhood trauma committed by the parent, those with low-self esteem, and victims of emotional abuse.
