Prevalence of post traumatic stress disorder among Maasai girls who have undergone female genital mutilation as a prerequisite To early marriage in Trans-mara and Kajiado districts - Kenya

Abstract

The impact of traumatic events on the physical health of children and adults is well researched and recognized, but the psychological consequences have only recently become a topic of research. While other traumatic experiences of childhood and adolescence are well studied, the prevalence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among girls who have undergone FGM in Kenya requires investigations. This study is an attempt to provide research based evidence of FGM to help the Maasai community and any other FGM practicing community understand the psychological effects of FGM on those who undergo it. Study objectives: This study sought to establish the prevalence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among Maasai girls who have undergone FGM as a pre-requisite to early marriage in Kajiado and Transmara Districts and also to document the subjective experiences of FGM among Maasai girls while describing their social demographic profiles Design of Study: This was a descriptive, quantitative and qualitative study that adopted a population approach. Settings: AIC Girls Kajiado St Joseph’s Girls Kilgoris Enoosaen Girls Kilgoris Poroko Secondary School Kilgoris Kilgoris Girls Secondary School Subjects: Children and adolescents between the ages of 10-18 who had undergone FGM and were willing to participate in the study

Research Instruments: Three research instruments were used: A socio-demographic profile designed by the researcher, Impact of Events Scale- Revised, and an Interview on Focus Group Discussions Results: All the respondents studied except one presented with PTSD symptoms. 1 had no symptoms, 10 had mild PTSD, 24 had moderate PTSD and 42 had severe PTSD. The prevalence of PTSD was statistically significant with low education, having siblings and also the word fear. Many of the respondents were forced to undergo FGM. Conclusion: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is common in Maasai girls who have undergone FGM and is significantly related to lower education, having sibling and the word fear. Intervention is necessary to help alleviate the long term negative consequences one of them being Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.