Association between post-traumatic stress symptoms and functional health among internally displaced people in Myanmar.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are individuals forced to leave their homes and move within their country. Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are prevalent in this population. To investigate trauma symptoms and functional health of IDPs in Myanmar and identify the factors associated with their functional health according to the presence/absence of PTSS. This cross-sectional study included 201 IDPs who completed a questionnaire on functional health, PTSS, resilience, social support and hope. The analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson's correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression with interaction analyses. Over one-third of the participants had PTSS, with low functional health scores. The greater the resilience, the better the functional health. The higher participants' PTSS, the poorer their functional health. There was a significant interaction between resilience and PTSS. Tailored resilience-building programs, as well as health policies and services, are needed to enhance IDPs' functional health and help them overcome PTSS. Psychological first aid should be provided to minimize PTSS experienced in situations of ongoing conflict and violence. Mental health nurses should be trained to assess IDPs' health status and tailor interventions accordingly.