PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN POST-WAR IN SHIRE, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA, 2025.

Abstract

Background: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that may occur after exposure to a traumatic or stressful event and its onset can persist for many years beyond the initial experience. According to several studies results PTSD is one of the most prevalent mental disorder among secondary school students following traumatic exposure. There are different factors that associated with Post-traumatic stress disorder such as; socio demographic, trauma event status, psycho-social support, medical and war exposure factors. Despite this, there has been a relative lack of focus on mental health issues among secondary school students in the region. This research aims to fill this gap by determining the estimated prevalence and associated factors of Post-traumatic stress disorder among secondary school students in Shire town, Tigray region, located in northern Ethiopia. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of post-traumatic stress disorder among secondary school students in Shire, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2025. Method: This study employed an institutional-based cross-sectional design. A total of 403 students were selected using systematic sampling from a complete list of students in selected schools. Data were collected through structured, self-administered questionnaires on March, 2025. SPSS version 27 was used for data analysis, with logistic regression identifying factors related to PTSD. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 402 samples were included in the study with a response rate of 99.7%. The study revealed that 18.4% of secondary school students experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the post-war period (95% CI: 14.7%–22.5%). A semester average score below 70% (AOR = 4.48, 95% CI: 1.58–12.67), a history of torture (AOR = 4.56, 95% CI: 1.83–11.38), exposure to sexual violence (AOR = 6.97, 95% CI: 2.49–19.50), poor social support (AOR = 15.44, 95% CI: 4.97–47.90), depression (AOR = 4.93, 95% CI: 1.15–21.14), and substance use (AOR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.35–5.91). All these factors were significantly associated with PTSD among secondary school students. Conclusion and recommendations: The prevalence of PTSD among high school students post war period was high and factors included poor social support, low academic performance, exposure to torture and sexual violence, depression, and substance use. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating school-based mental health services and early identification strategies to support students exposed to war related trauma.