Prevalence of Symptoms of PTSD among Inpatients with Substance Use Disorders in Drug Rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are two mental conditions that often coexist and can exacerbate each other's effects. The study aimed to establish the prevalence of symptoms of PTSD in a sample of 178 individuals undergoing substance use rehabilitation in Nairobi, Kenya. This study employed a quantitative, correlational approach. Data was collected using a customized socio-demographic questionnaire and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL 5). Analysis used the Statistical Package for Social Scientists Version 28 (SPSS v. 28). The results indicated that 42.7% of participants exhibited symptoms of PTSD. Regarding socio-demographic characteristics, the prevalence of PTSD was higher in females (50.0%) in those aged between 18 -27 years (50.0%) in the widowed (50.0%), those who had completed college (50.0%) and the unemployed (48.3%). A further analysis to determine whether the prevalence is associated with various socio-demographic characteristics; gender, age, marital status, level of education, and employment status showed no statistically significant association. Consequently, the study recommends ongoing PTSD screenings for individuals in inpatient treatment centres to enhance the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes.