An Assessment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Among Children Exposed to Violence in Borno State
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Exposure to violence in early life is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of mental health, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) emerging as a significant consequence. In Borno State—a region that has endured protracted conflict and insecurity—the prevalence of violence has had a profound impact on its youngest citizens. Children exposed to traumatic events, whether through direct violence or witnessing such incidents, are at heightened risk for developing PTSD (Abdullahi, 2023). This disorder, characterized by intrusive memories, hyperarousal, and emotional numbing, can profoundly impair a child’s social, academic, and emotional functioning.
Historically, Borno State has been at the epicenter of violent conflicts, where political instability and insurgency have disrupted the normalcy of life. Amid this backdrop, children often bear the brunt of the conflict’s psychological toll. Studies suggest that the repeated exposure to violence not only compromises immediate mental health but also leaves a lasting imprint on cognitive and emotional development (Muhammad, 2024). The cumulative stress from such exposures can lead to complex PTSD, which is more resistant to standard therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, the interplay between cultural beliefs about mental illness and limited access to mental health services exacerbates the situation, leaving many affected children without the necessary support (Garba, 2025).
The prevailing socio-political environment in Borno State further compounds these challenges. The disruption of community structures and the erosion of social safety nets due to prolonged conflict leave children isolated and vulnerable. Traditional coping mechanisms have been overwhelmed by the scale of trauma, necessitating the urgent development of targeted mental health interventions. This study aims to explore the specific manifestations of PTSD among children in this region, considering factors such as the frequency of exposure to violence, the nature of the traumatic events, and the availability of support systems. By investigating these dynamics, the study will provide insights into the broader implications of violence on child mental health in conflict zones and inform strategies for effective intervention (Ibrahim, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
The persistence of violent conflict in Borno State has created an environment where children are regularly exposed to traumatic events, significantly elevating the risk of developing PTSD. Despite global recognition of PTSD as a major public health concern, there remains insufficient localized research that addresses its prevalence, severity, and impact on children in this conflict-ridden area. The chronic exposure to violence, combined with displacement, loss of family members, and community disintegration, contributes to a unique manifestation of PTSD that standard diagnostic criteria may not fully capture (Bello, 2023).
A critical gap exists in understanding the extent to which repeated violent exposure translates into chronic PTSD symptoms among children, particularly in contexts where mental health services are scarce. The scarcity of trained mental health professionals and the cultural stigmatization of psychological disorders further hinder timely diagnosis and treatment (Salihu, 2024). This inadequacy not only prolongs the suffering of affected children but also impairs their educational achievements and social interactions. Additionally, there is a lack of longitudinal studies that follow children over time to assess the long-term impact of trauma, making it difficult to design interventions that address both immediate and delayed symptoms of PTSD.
The present study seeks to fill this gap by conducting a comprehensive assessment of PTSD among children exposed to violence in Borno State. It will examine the frequency and intensity of traumatic exposures and correlate these with the severity of PTSD symptoms. In doing so, the study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the mental health needs of this vulnerable population and to offer evidence-based recommendations for improving mental health care delivery in conflict zones (Nasir, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
- To determine the prevalence and severity of PTSD among children exposed to violence in Borno State.
- To identify the key factors that exacerbate PTSD symptoms in these children.
- To recommend culturally appropriate interventions to support affected children in overcoming PTSD.
Research Questions
- What is the prevalence of PTSD among children exposed to violence in Borno State?
- Which factors most significantly contribute to the severity of PTSD symptoms in these children?
- What interventions can be implemented to alleviate PTSD symptoms in this vulnerable group?
Research Hypotheses
- Children exposed to higher frequencies of violence in Borno State will exhibit more severe PTSD symptoms.
- The absence of adequate social support significantly contributes to the exacerbation of PTSD among these children.
- Culturally tailored mental health interventions will reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms in the study population.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This research focuses on children aged 7–16 years residing in conflict-affected areas of Borno State. Employing both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, the study will assess PTSD symptoms and their correlates. Limitations include challenges in accessing certain high-risk zones and potential recall bias among respondents.
Definitions of Terms
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.
- Traumatic Exposure: Experiences involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
- Culturally Appropriate Interventions: Strategies designed to be sensitive to the cultural context and beliefs of the target population.
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