Probable Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Kenya and Its Associated Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Household Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Rachel Jenkins⁴  Caleb Othieno²  Raymond Omollo³  Linnet Ongeri³  Peter Sifuna³  James Kingora Mboroki⁵  David Kiima¹  Bernhards Ogutu³ 

[1] Ministry of Health, Nairobi P.O. Box 30016-00100, Kenya; E-Mail:;Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, Kenya, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi. P. O. Box 19676-00202; E-Mail:;Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54-40100 Kisumu, Kenya; E-Mails:;Health Services and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, de Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK;Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi P.O.Box 30195-00100, Kenya; E-Mail:

关键词: post-traumatic stress disorder;    common mental disorder;    Kenya;    household survey;    health and demographic surveillance systems;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph121013494

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and its associated risk factors in a general household population in Kenya. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional household survey of mental disorders and their associated risk factors. The participants received a structured epidemiological assessment of common mental disorders, and symptoms of PTSD, accompanied by additional sections on socio-demographic data, life events, social networks, social supports, disability/activities of daily living, quality of life, use of health services, and service use. The study found that 48% had experienced a severe trauma, and an overall prevalence rate of 10.6% of probable PTSD, defined as a score of six or more on the trauma screening questionnaire (TSQ). The conditional probability of PTSD was 0.26. Risk factors include being female, single, self-employed, having experienced recent life events, having a common mental disorder (CMD)and living in an institution before age 16. The study indicates that probable PTSD is prevalent in this rural area of Kenya. The findings are relevant for the training of front line health workers, their support and supervision, for health management information systems, and for mental health promotion in state boarding schools.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.