Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among women and children affected by Boko Haram insurgency in North-east Nigeria

Abstract

This study is a survey which evaluated posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and psychological wellbeing of women and children in the context of Boko Haram insurgency in northeast Nigeria. A total of 96 persons (55 women and 41 children) were randomly selected from the population of Chibok community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State. Self-report measures consisting of Conflict-Related Trauma Inventory and PTSD Checklist for civilians were administered to the participants. Data was analysed using Chi-square statistics. Results indicated a PTSD prevalence of 70.9% and 41.5% among the women and children, respectively. There was no significant gender difference in PTSD among the children exposed to Boko Haram insurgency. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended setting up of trauma centres by federal/state governments and private individuals across the communities in the northeastern states for people affected by the insurgency to receive care. Psychologists should be employed in all trauma healing centres for effective service delivery, instead of leaving such centres to be run with those who do not have sufficient expertise and training in trauma assessment and interventions