Prevalence and factors associated with PTSD among female urban slum dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Little is known about the prevalence of and factors associated with PTSD among adult females in Nigeria, particularly those who live in slums. PTSD is a mental health condition that develops among some individuals who experience or witness a traumatic event. Several other factors could place individuals at heightened risk of PTSD including stress and comorbid mental disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with PTSD among female urban slum dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional survey using multistage sampling of 550 women aged 18 and above from selected slums. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to elicit information on experience of childhood trauma, recent stressors, intimate partner violence, other mental disorders, sociodemographic characteristics and PTSD. PTSD was measured using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) which is based on DSM IV. A multivariable linear regression model was built to test associations between PTSD and independent variables. RESULTS: The prevalence for PTSD was found to be 4.18% and the mean PTSD score was 5.80 ± 7.11. Sexual abuse in childhood, past year intimate partner violence and anxiety were significantly associated with higher PTSD scores. PTSD was not significantly associated with a history of recent stressors. Education, employment and marital status were not associated with PTSD however, age and wealth index showed marginal association with PTSD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PTSD among women living in Ibadan slums was relatively low. Both child sexual abuse and intimate partner violence can be prevented. We also recommend longitudinal studies to better understand risk and protective factors.

Source: BMC Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11508-y

Authors: Olutoyin Sekoni, Sumaya Mall, Nicola Christofides

Institutions: University of Ibadan, University of the Witwatersrand

Language: English

Topic: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,570

Funders: Carnegie Corporation of New York, Styrelsen för Internationellt Utvecklingssamarbete, Wellcome Trust, Government of the United Kingdom, South African Medical Research Council, Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, New Partnership for Africa's Development, African Population and Health Research Center, African Academy of Sciences, Medical Research Council, Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa

OpenAlex ID: W3192107682