EFFECT OF NURSE-LED HEALTH EDUCATION ON POST TRAUMATIC STRESS SYMPTOMS AMONG INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN JOS, NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Introduction: Internal displacement occurred due to armed conflict or other forms of disasters; it was associated with the development of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms. The available interventions for PTS might be costly or not affordable for people in distress in low resource settings; hence, the need to explore alternative options. This study investigates the effect of a nurse-led health education intervention package on PTS symptoms among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). We hypothesised that ‘there is no statistically significant difference in PTS symptoms scores among IDPs before and after intervention with nurse-led health education. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed for the study. Post-Traumatic Stress short-form scale (PTS-8) was used as an instrument for data collection. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23. The socio-demographics are presented in simple percentages and tables. Unpaired student t-test was used to determine the significant differences among variables of interest in the hypothesis generated. Results: Most common PTS symptoms identified among the IDPs included recurrent memories with means and standard deviations (M 2.92, S.D 0.778); nightmare/sleep disturbance (M 2.26, SD 0.853) and feeling jumpy, easily startled and fearful (M 2.20, SD 0.969). Nurse-led health education caused a reduction in PTS symptoms severity. There was a significant difference in the PTS symptom scores before (2.3±1.7) and after (1.7±0.7) the intervention with a score of 2.37, p=0 .020. Conclusion: The nurse-led health education practised in undeveloped nature modified environment reduced PTS symptoms severity among the IDPs. It should be used as a tool for reducing the symptoms of PTS among IDPs, especially in contexts that are deficient in already developed recreational and traumatic stress healing facilities. KEYWORDS: Posttraumatic stress, Nurse-led health education, internally displaced persons.