Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Associated Factors in Post- Conflict Areas, North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Post-traumatic stress disorder places an enormous burden on conflict-affected society. People in conflict-affected areas have higher rates of mental disorders, in particular post-traumatic stress disorder, than those usually found in the non-conflict-affected general population. There is scarce evidence in Ethiopia regarding post-traumatic stress disorder in residents of conflict-affected areas. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and associated factors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among people in a post-conflict area, North Shoa, Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed from May 24-June 24, 2022, in the North Shoa Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia. The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was used to measure the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the data was collected by direct interview. All collected data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and analyzed with SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable regression models were used to determine the factors associated with Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result A total of 830 participants were interviewed with a response rate of 96%. The estimated prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was found to be 63% (95% CI 60–66%). In the multivariable logistic regression, being female (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI (2.82, 6.27)), being unable to read and write (AOR = 3.08, 95% CI (1.67, 5.69)), witnessing the murder of loved ones (AOR = 3.28, 95% CI (1.58, 6.79)), witnessing the murder of strangers (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI (1.33, 3.11)), being verbally threatened or insulted (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI (2.69, 6.21)). Having poor and moderate social support (AOR = 5.26, 95% CI (3.35, 8.28)), (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI (1.15, 3.13)), respectively, was significantly associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Conclusion More than half of the dwellers living in conflict-affected areas experienced post-traumatic stress disorder. Treating and using coping mechanisms regarding identified factors is a way to minimize the burden of post-traumatic stress disorder.