Journal of Psychology in Africa
Volume 22, Issue 4, 2012, Pages 629-632

Traumatic experiences and PTSD among adolescent congolese refugees in Uganda: A preliminary study (Article)

Ssenyonga J.* , Owens V. , Olema D.K.
  • a Department of Educational Foundation and Psychology, Faculty of Science, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
  • b World Food Programme, Uganda
  • c Department of Educational Foundation and Psychology, Faculty of Science, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda

Abstract

The study examined experienced traumatic events and the related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) amongst a sample of 89 adolescent Congolese refugees (56 females and 33 males) at a refugee campin Uganda. Data was collected using a questionnaire, and analyzed for trauma moderation by demographics and mediation by PTSD symptom scores. Findings indicate a prevalence of PTSD of 49.4% overall, with 75% of the female refugees meeting the PTSD criteria. The refugees with PTSD had high intrusive, avoidance and arousal scores, in addition to moderateto severe PTSD symptom severity scores. Trauma load was a significant predictor of PTSD among adolescent refugees. Our findings point to the high prevalence of PTSD resulting from an increased trauma load and being a female. Copyright © 2012 Journal of Psychology in Africa.

Author Keywords

PTSD Traumatic experience Refugee Refugee settlement camp

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84903195215&doi=10.1080%2f14330237.2012.10820578&partnerID=40&md5=80659ca18c75481e81691a76f85249db
DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2012.10820578
ISSN: 14330237
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English