<b><i>Assessment of Diseases’ Prevalence, Nutrition and Associated Factors in a Conflict-Affected Region: A Study in Leepa Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan</i></b>

Background: The border area of Leepa Valley bears witness to the persistent echoes of gunfire. The delivery of healthcare services in such areas presents enormous challenges, including availability of trained health professionals, restricted mobility, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. This study focuses on the general health status of residents of Leepa Valley. Objectives: To assess general health and nutritional status, any prevailing diseases and associated factors in residents of the Conflict-Affected Region of Leepa Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was executed by circulating a self-structured questionnaire among the patients at a Medical Camp in Leepa as convenient sampling. The sample size was calculated by Raosoft. A total of 152 participants were included in the study. Crohnbach alpha was caclculated and EMO factor analysis value of 0.525 and barlett value of 0.725. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS-25, and data description was done as frequency and percentage. Pearson correlation and regression analysis kept p value&lt;0.05% significant. Results: An overwhelming majority of 84.1% reported high perceived stress based on the Perceived Stress Scale. 78.3% of individuals reported that their daily life activities were affected by border-related activities. Moreover, 76.3% reported decreased employment opportunities in Leepa Valley due to the ongoing border conflicts. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the profound psychological toll of prolonged conflict on individuals and communities, shedding light on the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the complex interplay of mental health challenges and socio-environmental stressors.