Echoes of the past: prevalence and correlates of PTSD among formerly abducted youths in northern Uganda: findings from the WAYS study

Abstract

BackgroundPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has considerable and persistent effects on survivors of war, particularly in postconflict areas. Yet, evidence on what keeps survivors on the path of PTSD remains scarce.AimsThe current study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of PTSD symptoms among the war-affected population in northern Uganda.MethodsData from 476 war-affected youths (aged 20–27 years) who had participated in a longitudinal cohort study were analysed to describe the enduring associations of background and postwar environmental risk factors with PTSD symptoms. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised was used to evaluate symptoms of PTSD. Descriptive statistics were used to compute background and postwar environmental correlates. Binary logistic regression analyses were fitted to assess the magnitude of the effects of the correlates on PTSD symptoms.ResultsBackground and postwar environmental factors (eg, sexual abuse and injury in captivity) were significantly associated with PTSD symptoms. Postwar environmental factors associated with PTSD symptoms included postwar hardships, stigma/discrimination, chronic illness, community relations, family acceptance and general functioning, among others. The odds ratios (ORs) for post-war hardships were 2.41 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.63 to 3.56) and 2.90 (95% CI: 2.03 to 4.14) for high and severe PTSD, respectively. For stigma/discrimination, compared with higher scores, the ORs were 3.38 (95% CI: 2.22 to 5.17) and 4.12 (95% CI: 2.69 to 6.30) for high and severe PTSD symptoms, respectively.ConclusionsBackground and postwar environmental stressors exacerbate the severity of PTSD symptoms in survivors of war and should form the basis for interventions to alleviate the toxic effects of war on survivors.

Risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder among young and middle-aged cancer patients in the intensive care unit: A case-control study

“…PTSD is a long-lasting psychiatric disorder that occurs or is delayed after an individual experiences or witnesses an unusually catastrophic or threatening event[ 5 ]. Several studies[ 6 - 8 ] have shown that tumors have been identified as a source of traumatic stress, and the prevalence of cancer-related PTSD is estimated to range from 7.3% to 15.3%[ 9 ]. As young and middle-aged people play crucial roles in families and society, once diagnosed with cancer, they often have to face stress from a variety of aspects including illness, family, work place, and financial burden[ 10 , 11 ].…”

Promising applications of non-invasive brain stimulation on military cognition enhancement: a long way to go

“…Last, NIBS has exhibited significant clinical benefits in managing mental disorders like depression. 9 10 Military engagements frequently give rise to diverse physical and mental disabilities, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, 11 necessitating further exploration of the potential impact of NIBS in future investigations.…”

Special issue for psychosomatic medicine

“…They concluded that mental health issues could be reduced by adequate mental health laws and appropriate implementation. Amone-P'Olak et al 7 explored the prevalence and risks of post-traumatic stress disorder among war-affected youth in Uganda. They detected background and post-war environmental risk factors among them and highlighted the disastrous effects of war on young people's mental health.…”