Probable Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Kenya and Its Associated Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Household Survey.

Rachel Jenkins,James Kingora Mboroki,Raymond Omollo,Peter Sifuna,Caleb Othieno,Bernhards Ogutu,Linnet Ongeri,David Kiima

doi:10.3390/ijerph121013494

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and its associated risk factors in a general household population in Kenya. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional household survey of mental disorders and their associated risk factors. The participants received a structured epidemiological assessment of common mental disorders, and symptoms of PTSD, accompanied by additional sections on socio-demographic data, life events, social networks, social supports, disability/activities of daily living, quality of life, use of health services, and service use. The study found that 48% had experienced a severe trauma, and an overall prevalence rate of 10.6% of probable PTSD, defined as a score of six or more on the trauma screening questionnaire (TSQ). The conditional probability of PTSD was 0.26. Risk factors include being female, single, self-employed, having experienced recent life events, having a common mental disorder (CMD)and living in an institution before age 16. The study indicates that probable PTSD is prevalent in this rural area of Kenya. The findings are relevant for the training of front line health workers, their support and supervision, for health management information systems, and for mental health promotion in state boarding schools.

Highlights

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a relatively recent diagnostic construct and is characterised by flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, numbing and hypervigilance [1]
We examined the prevalence of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
We examined the predictors of probable PTSD, using STATA [42] to calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios

Summary

Introduction

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a relatively recent diagnostic construct and is characterised by flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, numbing and hypervigilance [1]. It is different from other psychiatric disorders in that diagnosis requires that symptoms are caused by an external traumatic event. Traumatic events are distinct from and more severe than generally stressful life events. A traumatic event is where an individual experiences, witnesses or is confronted with life endangerment, death or serious injury to self, or close others. While some have questioned whether the construct of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is relevant for low income countries [2], in practice there are a number of studies which attest to its value [3]. The opportunity was taken to study the prevalence of symptoms of PTSD in Nyanza Province, in Kenya, as part of a wider study of mental disorders, immunity and malaria

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Discussion

Conclusion