DATASET_Gender Differences in Post-Traumatic Symptomatology Among Refugees: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Armed conflict situations force many people to leave their countries, placing them in highly unfavorable conditions that can negatively impact their mental health. The emergence of post-traumatic symptoms or PTSD is a common outcome in this context.Objective: The present study aims to analyze, through a meta-analysis, gender differences in post-traumatic symptomatology within this population.Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines, analyzing studies published until 2024 across PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Out of a total of 462 identified studies, 22 met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses of effect sizes between experimental and control groups were performed using R software.Results: The meta-analysis revealed that refugee women exhibit a higher prevalence of PTSD symptoms, as well as elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Significant gender-based differences were also identified in the types of trauma experienced: women reported a higher incidence of sexual violence, whereas men were more likely to have been kidnapped or imprisoned. Longitudinal analyses showed a worsening of PTSD symptoms over time, regardless of gender, suggesting a chronic trajectory of psychological distress influenced by post-migration conditions.Discussion: These findings highlight the role of gender in the development of post-traumatic symptoms. The higher rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression among refugee women may be linked to greater exposure to gender-based violence and unequal access to support systems and resources in host countries. Addressing these disparities is essential for designing gender-sensitive interventions and public policies. Further research is needed to clarify long-term effects, standardize assessment tools, and identify effective strategies for diverse populations.