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. 2023 Aug 28;23(1):627.
doi: 10.1186/s12888-023-05116-w.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in a war-affected area of Northeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Zelalem Birhan  1 , Yonas Deressa  2   3 , Maregu Shegaw  4 , Sintayehu Asnakew  5 , Tesfa Mekonen  2   6
Affiliations

Posttraumatic stress disorder in a war-affected area of Northeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Zelalem Birhan et al. BMC Psychiatry. .

Abstract

Background: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a chronic condition that affects a significant proportion of war survivors following war and conflict. If PTSD is not managed, it can lead to decreased quality of life and impairments in daily functioning and lead to death. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among residents in a war-affected area, Dessie Town, Northeast Ethiopia.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult residents in the war-affected area, Dessie Town. A total of 615 individuals were selected by a systematic random sampling method. PTSD was assessed using the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, Civilian Version. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to measure the associated factors. Associations between variables were described using odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and a p-value less than 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of PTSD was 34.5% (95% CI: 31-38). Female sex (AOR: 1.82; CI: 1.18-2.82), divorced or widowed (AOR: 2.12, CI: 1.23-3.66), having only primary schooling (AOR: 2.17; CI: 1.25-3.78), depression (AOR: 2.03; CI: 1.34-3.08), experienced ill health without medical care during the wartime (AOR: 2.97; CI: 1.43-6.16), forced separation from family (AOR: 1.90; CI: 1.16-3.12), and experienced stressful life events (AOR: 1.60; CI: 1.06-2.42) were significantly associated with PTSD.

Conclusion: A significant rate of PTSD was found among residents of the war-affected area, Dessie Town. One in three people was experiencing PTSD. As a result, post-war mental health early screening and intervention is a priority, particularly for females, those who are separated or divorced, and those who have experienced stressful life events due to the war.

Keywords: Post-traumatic stress disorder; War; War affected area.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic presentation of sampling procedure on the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and associated factors among residents in the war-affected area, Dessie Town, Northeast Ethiopia, 2022
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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