Prevalence and correlates of ICD-11 prolonged grief disorder among adults living in Ukraine during the war with Russia

Background

Although high rates of bereavement are evident in war-affected populations, no study has investigated the prevalence and correlates of probable ICD-11 prolonged grief disorder (PGD) under these circumstances.

Methods

Participants were 2050 adults who participated in a nationwide survey exploring the effects of the Ukraine-Russia war on the daily lives and mental health of Ukrainian people.

Results

Of the total sample, 87.7% (n = 1797) of people indicated a lifetime bereavement. In the full sample, 11.4% met the diagnostic requirements for probable ICD-11 PGD, and amongst those with a lifetime bereavement, the conditional rate of probable ICD-11 PGD was 13.0%. Significant risk factors of ICD-11 PGD included the recent loss of a loved one (6 months to a year ago), being most affected by a partner or spouse's death, loved one dying in the war, no recent contact with the deceased prior to their death, and meeting depression and anxiety diagnostic requirements.

Conclusion

The study reveals that a significant percentage of Ukrainian bereaved individuals have probable ICD-11 PGD, and identifying risk factors, particularly war-related losses, will aid in the development of intervention and prevention programs for bereaved adults.