Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder among adolescents in school and its impact on their well-being: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: anyone can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic event; this disorder can develop comorbid PTSD disorders such as anxiety and depression, which could seriously interfere with the daily life of the adolescent who was be the subject of our study by evaluating the prevalence of PTSD in public schools and also evaluating the impact of this disorder.

Methods: the survey was carried out during the period from March to June 2017. Participants were selected for a cross-sectional survey. Standardized questionnaires (life events checklist, CPTS-RI, STAIY and CDI) were used. The independent variables were investigated using binary logistic regression analyzes which were performed to investigate factors associated with PTSD.

Results: the number of students was 982 adolescents with an age of 12 to 17 years (14.98 ± 1.49) and the participation rate was 88.69% (n = 871). A high prevalence of PTSD was found with 19.3% (n = 168). The factors independently associated with PTSD included being a girl (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =2.113, 95% C.I =1.015-4.399, p=0.046), having a middle school level (AOR =5.765, 95% C.I =2.262-14.692, p<0.0001), sleep interrupted (AOR =0.142, 95% C.I =0.027-0.745, p=0.021), guilt (AOR =27.378, 95% C.I =6.835-109.663, p<0.0001), difficulties of memory (AOR =0.157, 95% C.I = 0.071-0.346, p<0.0001), and difficulties of concentration (AOR =0.041, 95% C.I = 0.004-0.392, p=0.006). Among adolescents in school with PTSD, anxiety had 79.1% (n = 133) and depression had 51.1% (n = 86).

Conclusion: the prevalence of PTSD and comorbid anxiety and depression was high among educated students. Factors associated with PTSD included being in college, being a girl, and having guilt. It is necessary to adapt suitable treatments immediately after a traumatic event or during the disease.