Socioeconomic Characteristics and Pattern of Traumas Among Flood Disaster Victims in South-South Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Traumatic exposures among flood disaster victims often comes with many socioeconomic impacts that further affect the standard of living, interrelationships and the ability to cope with life challenges. Consequently, this study looked at the pattern of post-traumatic stress symptoms and the socioeconomic effect among the people of South-South, Nigeria. Objective: This study focused on investigating of the socioeconomic characteristics and pattern of post-traumatic stress disorder among flood disaster victims in South-South Nigeria, with the aim of providing appropriate recommendations to support the affected communities. Method: A descriptive survey method was adopted in this research to collect primary data from the investigated communities through questionnaire. The sample population is 1,063,732 from six most affected local government areas in each of the six states. A sample size of 399 was determined using Taro Yamane. Using purposive and random sampling, participants were selected across 30 communities, in proportion to the population size and data was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics. Findings/Recommendations: The study revealed prevalence of PTSD relating to flashbacks, distress memories, anxiety, and dissociation. At p-value of 0.056, it suggests that PTSD is prevalence among the places investigated and at p-value of 0.000, the findings show that PTSD pattern varies between groups in the sampled communities. The study also identified reduced income, displacement, job loss and more as major socioeconomic issues among the victims. It then recommended a robust social and mental health support for the affected populace.