Armed-Conflict and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Heads of Households in Dogonahawa, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Research has shown that30-70% of people who have lived in war zones suffer from symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, with exceptionally high rates documented among heads of households. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of Posttraumatic stress disorder among heads of households in comparison to dependants following exposure to armed-conflict. Methods: A cross sectional household survey that was carried out to determine the prevalence and correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder among conflict victims in Dogonahawa,North-Central Nigeria. A multistage sampling of households was employed to select 270 respondents aged ≥18 years. A face-to-face interview was conducted using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview to collect data on posttraumatic stress disorder. Results: The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorders was 55.5% in all respondents, 63.6% and 48.5% among heads of households and dependants respectively. Among heads of households, low income was predictive of PTSD (OR=2.032, P=0.288) while being a male and employed as a professional were protective of Posttraumatic stress disorder; (OR=0.264, P=0.032) and (OR=, P=0.024). Conclusion: The results point to the importance of screening and treatment for victims of conflict, with particular attention to heads of households who are females, non professionals and low income earners.