Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and associated factors among Women Living in Internally Displaced Persons Camps in Plateau North Senatorial District, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder is a large contributor to the global burden of disease and is estimated to affect almost 4% of the world’s population which are mostly children and women. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and associated factors among women living in internally displaced persons camps in Plateau North Senatorial District.

Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 228 women living in internally displaced persons camps within Plateau North Senatorial District who were selected using a two-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire and Statistical Product and Service Solution software version 26.0 was used for data analysis. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval.

Results: The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among study participants was 218 (91.6%). Avoiding the thought of a traumatic experience or situations that reminded them of such an experience; 226 (95.0%) was the most common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder among study participants. Factors such as lack of social support (p = 0.039), relocation from usual residence (p = 0.033) and death of close a relation (p = 0.043) were significantly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusion: This study found that the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder was high among study participants. Provision of adequate social support to women living in internally displaced persons camps will help contain and reduce the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder among them.