Publication: Landslide disasters in eastern Uganda: post-traumatic stress disorder and its correlates among survivors in Bududa district
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2022-12-05
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BMC Psychology
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Abstract
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder is the commonly reported psychiatric morbidity among the survivors of
natural disasters. However, its prevalence particularly in Bududa, Eastern Uganda is largely unknown.
Aims and objectives: To assess the prevalence and correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder among Bududa
landslide survivors.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 587 participants. The study set-
ting was the Bududa district, with a multistage sampling method. Pre-tested, administered interviewer PTSD Check-
list–civilian version was used as screening tools between 4th and April 29th 2022. Data were analyzed using descrip-
tive and binary logistic approaches at a 5% level of significance.
Results: Of the study participants, 276 (46.8%) had PTSD symptoms. Among the respondents, 250 (42.6%) were in
the age range of 40 and above, 396 (67.3%) were female, 284 (48.4%) had no formal education, and 333 (56.7%) were
married. Results showed that male gender (AOR: 0.47; 95% CI 0.31–0.73; p = 0.001), widowhood (AOR: 0.44; 95% CI
0.21–0.94; p = 0.034), lack of counseling (AOR: 0.44; 95% CI 0.21–0.94; p = 0.001), and duration since the landslide
(AOR: 0.35; 95% CI 0.23–0.52; p = 0.001) were associated with an increased likelihood of screening for PTSD in landslide
survivors.
Conclusion: Landslides pose significant effects on the mental health of survivors. In the present study, the extent
of PTSD among survivors is substantially high. male gender,, widowhood, lack of counselling, low social support, and
duration since the landslide were significantly associated with PTSD. Effective screening and awareness programs
among survivors should be strengthened for the prevention and treatment of psychiatric morbidity among the survi-
vors of landslides.