Prevalence and factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among internally displaced people in camps at Debre Berhan, Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental disorder after traumatic exposure that can have long-lasting physical and mental health consequences. In 2021, Ethiopia saw the highest number of internally displaced people (IDP) due to conflict and war with the scope of the internal displacement being very high in the study area and less attention has been given to mental health.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of PTSD among internally displaced people in camps at Debre Berhan, Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1-30, 2021 among 406 IDPs, who were selected by random systematic sampling from the registration and proportionally allocated to three IDP camps in Debre Berhan. Post-traumatic stress disorder was measured by the PTSD checklist (DSM-5). Data were collected through an interviewer-administered pre-tested questionnaire, entered into EpiData version 3.1, and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Bivariate binary logistic regression was used to select candidate variables with p < 0.25. Multicollinearity was checked by using the variance inflation factor and it was less than 10. Model adequacy was checked by Hosmer & Lemeshow goodness of test (p > 0.05). In the multivariable binary logistic regression, the association between outcome and independent variables was declared at p < 0.05 with its adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence level.

Results: The prevalence of PTSD among the respondents was 67.5% (95% CI: 63-72). Being a merchant (AOR = 0.41 [95% CI: 0.02-0.85]), witnessing the destruction of property (AOR = 1.67 [95% CI: 1.01-2.74]), facing trauma during displacement (AOR = 6.00 [95% CI: 2.75-13.10]), frequency of displacement (AOR = 0.31 [95% CI: 0.11-0.85]), being distressed (AOR = 5.42 [95% CI: 3.25-9.05]), and unemployment (AOR = 2.09 [95% CI: 1.24-3.54]) were factors significantly associated with PTSD.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence of the high prevalence of PTSD among internally displaced people. Therefore, mental health and psychosocial support are urgently required to address the identified factors and help the displaced people against long-term avoidable suffering.

Keywords: Ethiopia; Internally displaced people; Post-traumatic stress disorder.