Abstract
BackgroundConflict-affected communities in Nigeria experience a range of problems. These experiences have been associated with different types of mental disorders, most notably, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).AimThis study sought to assess PTSD and its associated factors among adults in conflict-affected communities in Odukpani Local Government Area (LGA), Cross River State, Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using non-probability and probability sampling techniques. The sample size for this study was 486 conflict-affected adults. The symptoms of PTSD were assessed using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and a semistructured questionnaire was employed to collect data on sociodemographic and trauma-related characteristics. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, χ2and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of PTSD in conflict-affected communities in Odukpani LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria was 73.9%. The multivariate analysis revealed that higher educational attainment (AOR 5.66; p<0.001; 95% CI 2.37 to 13.54), family size >4 (AOR 1.72; p=0.03; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.77), discrimination because of present status (AOR 1.96; p=0.03; 95% CI 1.26 to 3.06) and family history of mental illnesses (AOR 2.08; p=0.002; 95% CI 1.31 to 3.31) showed statistically significant relationships with PTSD in the study population.ConclusionA multisectoral approach for creating and routinely arranging mental health interventions and aid programmes aimed at improving social outcomes such as employment, living conditions and social networks for conflict-affected communities is recommended.