The research, which is part of the BIOPATH study initiated in 2017, involved analyzing saliva samples from 1,507 Syrian refugee children aged 6 to 19 living in informal settlements in Lebanon.

A recent study from the University of Surrey highlights that children in war-torn countries experience not only mental health challenges but also significant biological changes at the DNA level due to their exposure to conflict.

In terms of gender differences, the study found that girls exhibited more significant DNAm changes than boys, particularly in genes related to stress response and brain development.

Conducted between 2022 and 2024, the study utilized questionnaires and saliva samples to assess the children's exposure to war-related events and to analyze DNA methylation.

DNA methylation (DNAm) is an epigenetic process that alters gene expression without changing the DNA sequence, and the study found that changes in DNAm were linked to war exposure.

These changes in DNA methylation can be influenced by factors such as diet, stress, and trauma, leading to lasting biological impacts that affect both physical and mental health.

Notably, the study indicates that the biological changes observed in children exposed to war are distinct from those caused by other traumas, such as poverty or bullying, suggesting unique responses to war.

This research is the first of its kind to analyze the biological effects of war on children in such a context, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions.

Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the BIOPATH study aims to understand the long-term effects of trauma on mental health development among refugee children.

Questionnaires were administered to both the children and their caregivers to gather comprehensive data on their exposure to conflict-related events.

The findings of this significant research were published in JAMA Psychiatry on November 20, 2024, shedding light on the urgent need for addressing the impacts of war on children's health.

The study underscores the importance of understanding the biological and psychological ramifications of war, paving the way for future research and intervention strategies.