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Prevalence and factors associated with probable post-traumatic stress disorder in healthcare professionals in post-war Tigray, Ethiopia, 2025: a cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur following traumatic events. Healthcare professionals working in post-war settings, including Tigray, may face an increased risk of PTSD because of exposure to conflict-related trauma and ongoing insecurity. Despite the importance of developing targeted supportive initiatives for the health workforce, empirical evidence on the magnitude of probable PTSD remains scarce. To assess the prevalence and factors associated with probable PTSD among healthcare professionals working in selected public hospitals in post-war Tigray, Ethiopia, in 2025. We conducted a facility-based cross-sectional study from April to June 2025. We used simple random sampling to recruit 423 healthcare professionals from six public hospitals. We collected data using a pretested standardized questionnaire through the ODK Collect mobile application and analyzed them in Stata version 19. Probable PTSD was defined as a PCL-5 total score of ≥ 33. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with probable PTSD. We used adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to quantify associations, and declared statistical significance at p < 0.05. We contacted 450 healthcare professionals, of whom 423 (94.0%) completed the survey. Most were aged 30–39 years (45.4%), and 70.9% reported poor current living conditions. The prevalence of probable PTSD among healthcare professionals working in the selected public hospitals was 39.5% (95% CI: 34.9%–44.2%). Probable PTSD was significantly associated with being a midwife (AOR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.01–5.99) or pharmacist (AOR = 4.06; 95% CI: 1.46–11.30), a history of displacement (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.07–2.60), workplace violence (AOR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.23–3.81), and a sense of insecurity (AOR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.26–3.55). About 4 in 10 healthcare professionals working in the selected public hospitals in post-war Tigray had probable PTSD. Probable PTSD was associated with being a midwife or pharmacist, a history of displacement, workplace violence, and a sense of insecurity. Mental health support initiatives could prioritize displaced healthcare professionals and those working in insecure settings through feasible screening, brief psychosocial support, and referral services, with targeted support for midwives and pharmacists.

Source: Discover Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12982-026-03257-3