Health Risks Associated with Traumatic Exposures Among Flood Disaster Victims in South-South Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Flood disasters have been recurrent events among the people of South-South, Nigeria, with few data on the health risks associated with this among the affected populace. This oil-rich geopolitical region of Nigeria consists of six states, namely, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Edo, Rivers, Cross River and Delta. Objective: This research examines the prevalence and persistence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the associated health risks among flood disaster victims in this region, thus providing recommendations based on the findings. Method: The research design adopted a survey design to collect primary data using questionnaire. The sample population is 1,063,732 from six most affected local government areas in each state. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used, with a sample size of 399. The participants were selected across 30 communities using proportionate allocation based on population size. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in form of mean, percentages, and frequencies presented in tables. Findings/Recommendations: The research findings show distressing memories, diminished positive emotions, anxiety, anger, and nightmares as indicators of PTSD prevalence with a mean variation of between 2.38 -3.08 and mean variation of between 2.98 -3.22 for the persistence of PTSD among the affected populace. These findings indicate the prevalence and persistence of PTSD among the affected population. The health risks indicators associated with PTSD included, substance misuse, memory difficulties, pains, and sleep disturbances, among others and these are precursors to mental and cardiovascular issues in future. The study concluded that flood victims may face increased health risks associated with traumatic exposure and also recommended better funding, building institutional framework and adequate health professionals that will provide support to the affected communities.