Risk Factors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression among Female Survivors of Sexual Violence in an Informal Settlement in Nairobi County, Kenya

Isabella K. Osiemo, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology Candidate; Ruthie C. Rono, Ph.D; & Charity W. Waithima, Ph.D., United States International University – Africa

Abstract

This study sought to examine risk factors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression among female survivors of sexual violence in an informal settlement in Nairobi County. The study employed explorative design to formulate a composite account of the findings and sequencing of the analytical operations. The study was conducted in two hospitals, Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital and Medical Missionaries of Mary in Nairobi County, Kenya. The hospitals were identified through purposive sampling. Purposive sampling was also used to identify the respondents for the study through screening of the target population. Only those who met the set criteria: age 18 to 49 years, were married or not married, were or had been sexually violated and were resident in Nairobi County, were included in the study. PTSD Check List 5th edition (PCL-5) and Patient Health Questionnaire 9th edition (PHQ-9) were used to collect data on PTSD and depression respectfully. Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) were used for the treatment of PTSD and depression, respectively. Binary estimates of risk factors for PTSD and depression for age ranges 26 to 33 years showed (AOR: 1.1; 95% CI: 0.91-12.4) and (AOR: 1.5; 95% CI: 0.2-9.8) respectively. As concerns education, survivors with no formal education had higher odds of developing PTSD (AOR: 8.1: 95% CI: 0.2-352.0) compared to those with Primary level of education at a much lower risk of developing PTSD (AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 0.1-56.4). Survivors with Secondary level of education (AOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 0.2-50.1) had slightly higher odds of developing PTSD than those with Middle college level of education (AOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 0.1-43.9). Concerning religion, Protestant’s risk of PTSD (AOR: 15.0; 95% CI: 0.6 -372.4) was much higher than the Catholics chances of developing PTSD (AOR: 6.2; 95% CI: 0.3-142.9). The unemployed respondent’s likelihood of developing PTSD (AOR: 3.1; 95% CI: 01-62.7) was much higher compared to the informally employed which was lower (AOR: 2.6; 95% CI: 0.1-55.8). The likelihood of the formally employed survivor’s risk of PTSD was the lowest in the category of employment (AOR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.01-8.9).

Keywords: Depression, trauma, sexual violence, posttraumatic stress disorder, informal settlements.