Prevalence of PTSD Among Adolescent Boys in Selected Secondary Schools in Machakos County, Kenya

Assumptor Mukangi,Mary Mogute,Stella Nyagwencha

doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20200905.12

Abstract

Background: Adolescents throughout the world are at risk of developing PTSD. PTSD has detrimental long term effects on every facet of life and has been shown to negatively impact the various areas of life. These areas often include: academic performance, cognitive abilities, emotion regulation and behavioural regulation. In adolescents, PTSD has particularly been implicated in high dropout rates which subsequently leads to poverty, fewer opportunities and a decreased lifespan. Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish the prevalence of PTSD among adolescent boys in selected secondary schools in Machakos County, Kenya. Methods: Two secondary schools were conveniently sampled with a total of 976. The adolescent boys were aged 14-17-years. The respondents filled a Socio-Demographic Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Child PTSD Symptom Scale-V-Self Report (CPSS-V-SR) which screened for PTSD symptoms. Results: The findings showed that the prevalence of PTSD was at 27.6%. The findings also showed that respondents who lived in other counties (exclusive of Nairobi County and Machakos County) had the least frequency of 42 (15.6%) but reported the highest mean PTSD symptoms at 24.5 (±24.5) and a statistically significant mean difference established in the counties p<0.006. Conclusion: The need for psychotherapy in secondary schools is therefore essential in order to alleviate PTSD prevalence. This is also crucial in order to buffer adolescents from comorbid diseases and psychological disorders.

Highlights

Exposure to Potentially Traumatic Events (PTEs) inevitably leads to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) [1]
The study found that boys who encountered noninterpersonal Potentially Traumatic Events (PTE) were at lower risk of presenting with PTSD symptoms at 8.4% whilst girls exposed to interpersonal trauma had the highest risk of presenting with PTSD symptoms at the prevalence rate of 32.9%
The findings of this study indicated that the prevalence of PTSD in secondary schools located in Machakos County was high at 27.6%

Summary

Introduction

Exposure to Potentially Traumatic Events (PTEs) inevitably leads to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) [1]. The study found that boys who encountered noninterpersonal Potentially Traumatic Events (PTE) were at lower risk of presenting with PTSD symptoms at 8.4% whilst girls exposed to interpersonal trauma had the highest risk of presenting with PTSD symptoms at the prevalence rate of 32.9%. Overall, those at a higher risk were girls and those exposed to interpersonal traumatic events. Conclusion: The need for psychotherapy in secondary schools is essential in order to alleviate PTSD prevalence This is crucial in order to buffer adolescents from comorbid diseases and psychological disorders

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion