Assesment of the Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Associated Factors, and Social Support Systems Among Adult Refugees in Kyaka Ii Refugee Settlement, Uganda.

Abstract

Introduction, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a major mental health concern among refugees, with prevalence rates ranging from 10% to 40% globally, depending on trauma exposure and context (Steel et al., 2009; Charlson et al., 2019). Refugees experience multiple stressors, including war, forced displacement, and socio-economic hardships, which exacerbate PTSD symptoms (Silove et al., 2017). Uganda hosts over 1.5 million refugees, with Kyaka II Refugee Settlement accommodating approximately 118,882 individuals, mainly from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan (UNHCR, 2020). Despite Uganda’s progressive refugee policies, mental health services remain inadequate, leaving PTSD largely unaddressed (WHO, 2018). Objective,This study assessed the prevalence of PTSD among adult refugees in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, examined associated factors, and explored the availability of social support systems in managing PTSD. Methods, A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected from 384 adult refugees using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Associations between independent variables and PTSD were examined using Chi-square tests of independence, Fisher’s Exact Test for sparse data, and independent t-tests for continuous variables such as age. Variables with p < 0.20 were entered into a Modified Poisson regression model with robust error variance to obtain prevalence ratios (PRs). Qualitative data were collected through seven Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and seven In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) and analyzed thematically. Results, The prevalence of PTSD was 62.0%. Bivariate analysis, including Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact Test, and Modified Poisson regression, showed no statistically significant associations between socio-demographic characteristics, trauma exposures, and PTSD diagnosis (all p > 0.05). Descriptive comparison of mean ages revealed no meaningful differences between PTSD and non-PTSD groups. Qualitative findings highlighted family, peer groups, religious institutions, and NGOs as central social support systems, while stigma, financial barriers, and disrupted families limited access to these supports.Conclusion, PTSD prevalence among adult refugees in Kyaka II is high, yet no significant quantitative predictors were identified. This underscores the importance of qualitative insights, which revealed the central role of informal and community-based social support in coping with trauma. Strengthening religious, family, and peer-based support, alongside integrated community mental health services, is critical for addressing PTSD among refugees.