Prevalence of Ptsd, Depression and Anxiety Among Female Survivors of Rape Following Post Election Violence 2007 December Nairobi-kenya

Abstract

Sexual violence has been termed one of the most traumatic experiences that can happen to a human being. In times of war and civil strife, sexual violence becomes more prevalent. The sexual violence and rape incidents that happened in Kenya following post election violence of 2007 resulted, among other psychiatric conditions, into anxiety in particular posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive disorders in this group, the extent of PTSD, depression and other psychological disorders remained unknown. Study objective The study sought to establish the prevalence of PTSD, Panic and depressive disorders and also detect HIV status before and after rape if known among female survivors of rape aged 21-63 years following 2007 December post election violence attending a city council clinic. Method This was a cross sectional descriptive study with 2009 participants who were joining consecutively. Four research instruments were used: A social demographic profile post rape care information questionnaire prepared by the researcher. Impact of Event Scale-R (lES) Beck's depression inventory (BDI) Beck's anxiety inventory (BAI) and Beck's suicidality (BSS). Only those who met the inclusive criteria were recruited in the study Results A higher prevalence of PTSD, Panic and depressive disorders among 2009 survivors was established. PTSD was found to be 90.4%; Depressive disorder was 70-8% panic disorder was 55.1%. Suicidal ideation 9.6%, suicidal plans 28.2% and suicidal attempts 2.4%. There were no significant statistical differences in those who were HIV+ (Positive) and those who were HIV - (Negative) among those who had received post exposure prophylaxis and those who had not. Conclusion and recommendations Among 209 study participants interviewed, there is high prevalence ofPTSD, depression and panic disorder compared to other studies done by others elsewhere. There is need for a structured psychological care for this group in an established special centre on a gender based violence Health facility set up, where their privacy and security is guarded (Woodley Nairobi city council clinic).