Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among youths in war-affected areas of Northeast Ethiopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Globally, youth in violent conflict and war-affected areas are experiencing an increase in the rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). War leads to severe social crises worldwide, with youths being the most vulnerable group. They often endure severe traumatic events and are at high risk of falling victim to violent crime, which further increases their susceptibility to developing symptoms of PTSD. PTSD is a prevalent in Ethiopian regions affected by war, although empirical data on its prevalence and associated factors among youth in these areas are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among youth in Kobo Town, Northeast Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 595 participants. Outcome variables were assessed using the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5). Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with PTSD symptoms. The presence of an association was indicated by an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among youths was 62.2% with 95% CI: 58.2, 66.1). Being female [AOR = 2.62 (95% CI = 1.27, 3.66)], experiencing childhood trauma [AOR = 1.71(95% CI = 1.033, 2.76)], having depression symptoms [AOR = 1.69 (95% CI = 1.12, 2.95)], having anxiety symptoms [AOR = 1.68 (95% CI = 1.09, 2.59)], having physical injury [AOR = 3.38(95% CI: 2.17, 5.28] and having poor social support [AOR = 3.52(95% CI = 2.08, 5.99)] were factors associated with PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSION: PTSD symptoms is highly prevalent among youth in the war-affected areas of Northeast Ethiopia. Being female, depressive and anxiety symptoms, childhood abuse and neglect, physical injury during war, and poor social support were factors associated with PTSD symptoms among youth. To combat this, early screening and treatment should be provided for youth with PTSD symptoms.