Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Orphaned Children in Institutions in Kiambu County, Kenya.

Arlene Nduku, Psy.D. Candidate in Clinical Psychology; Munyae Mulinge, Ph.D; & Josephine Arasa, Ph.D., United States International University-Africa.

Abstract

In Kenya, many traumatic events have been recorded in the recent years whose consequences have been dire. Children exposed to traumatic events may have a higher prevalence of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than adults in the general population. One of the most studied and recommended intervention for trauma is the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Despite all the endorsements, the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in Kenya has not been determined. This study sought to determine the extent to which EMDR therapy reduces the levels of PTSD symptoms among children in institutions of care for orphans in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study employed a triangulated design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection and analysis. The study was carried out in Kiambu County within institutions of care for orphaned and vulnerable children. The target population for this study was 221 children in 50 registered institutions of care within Kiambu County aged between 11 and 17 years. The study used a sample of 157 respondents. To assess PTSD symptoms the Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS) score were utilized. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to analyse data with the help of SPSS. Tables were used in the presentation of results. Majority 70.7% (n=111) tested positive for PTSD with 21% (n=33) having moderate PTSD and 19.1% (n=30) having severe PTSD. After the intervention, PTSD scores reduced from 23.0±10.2 to 14.4±9.0 (p<0.001). EMDR therapy was effective in treatment of children with PTSD in orphan institutions of care by significantly reducing PTSD symptoms. Mental health institutions to embrace EMDR therapy as an effective treatment method for not only PTSD but all other psychological and emotional distress as has been the practice in other parts of the world.

Keywords: Trauma, PTSD, EMDR