This descriptive study was conducted to examine the occurrence of disability and stress among refugees living in the Gaza Strip. A survey was administered in 100 households in each of three refugee camps. Two survey instruments were selected to evaluate stress and disability among children in GazA third questionnaire was developed which allowed the collection of demographic, socio-economic, illness, disability and stress events datThis questionnaire also provided for collection of data on attitudes of families and more detailed information on disabled family members. Extensive preparations were required for the survey. A group of local residents was established to evaluate the questionnaires and translate survey materials into Arabic. A group of field workers from the local area were selected to conduct the interviews. A training program was conducted to prepare the interviewers. Following delays that occurred in completion of the survey, the results were delivered to Canada where they were translated into English and analyzed. Due to procedural errors in data collection which varied between the three camps, the results were analyzed separately. Means and frequency tables were calculated on the survey items. Correlations were computed between family attitudes and a variety of potential stress events, and associations that existed between the results from the three camps were examined. The nature of the data suggests use of caution in forming definite conclusions. The results suggest a prevalence of disability of about three percent. The rate of PTSD among children appeared to be low, despite a high reported frequency of various stress events. A range of associations were noted between stress events and family life. The existence of chronically ill and disabled family members was associated with dissatisfaction with several family functions, although presence of disabled family members was associated with satisfaction with affection within families. The difficulties associated with conducting research under difficult conditions in a developing area are discussed. A range of recommendations for further study focuses additional survey research. The need for adequate resources to support this research is noted. Implications for the conduct of research in developing countries are discussed.