Authors: Eliakim K. Silgich, Phillip O. Nying’uro and Cliff Obwogi
1&3National Defence University-Kenya,
P.O. Box 24381- 00502, NAIROBI, KENYA
Co. Author Email: silgich2015@yandex.com
2The University of Nairobi,
P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: pnyinguro@yahoo.com
Abstract: The relationship between trauma exposure and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms among secondary school students in Samburu West, Kenya was explored in the study. Using a cross-sectional survey, 380 students were sampled through multi-stage sampling. Data was collected via self-report questionnaires and the PCL-5 scale for PTSD symptoms. Analysis, conducted through SPSS using logistic regression, revealed significant associations between trauma, socio-demographic factors, and PTSD.A notable finding was the prevalence of students witnessing violence in their communities, with many reporting personal experiences of physical assault and the loss of loved ones due to violence. Witnessing inter-communal violence emerged as the most common trauma type. On average, the PTSD symptom severity within the sample was moderate, with a mean PCL-5 score of 52. However, male students reported significantly higher symptom severity (mean score = 64) compared to females (mean score = 58), highlighting gender differences in PTSD vulnerability. Logistic regression analysis revealed that exposure to violence, was a strong predictor of PTSD symptoms (p < .001). Additionally, losing loved ones due to violence significantly contributed to PTSD risk (p < .01). Among specific trauma types, witnessing inter-communal violence had the strongest association with PTSD (p < .001).Socio-demographic factors also played a role. Male had a higher likelihood of developing PTSD compared to females (p < .05), and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, indicated by parental education levels, were at greater risk (p < .05). Interestingly, while family structure did not have a significant main effect on PTSD risk, an interaction effect showed that students from single-parent households who experienced violence were more likely to develop PTSD (p < .01). Boarding school status had no significant impact on PTSD risk. These findings highlight the critical need for mental health interventions, particularly for students from single-parent and low socioeconomic backgrounds.
Keywords: Trauma Exposure, PTSD, Adolescents, Samburu West, Kenya, Gender, Socioeconomic Status, Family Structure, Mental Health Services
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Suggested Citation
Silgich, E.K., Nying’uro, P. O. and Obwogi, C. Trauma Exposure and Socio-Demographic Risk factors for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Secondary School Students in Samburu West, Kenya. African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 11(2), 65-75. Available online at http://arjess.org/social-sciences-research/trauma-exposure-and-socio-demographic-risk-factors-for-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-among-secondary-school-students-in-samburu-west-kenya.pdf
