MAGNITUDE OF POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS IN SELECTED SAFE HOUSES AND SHELTERS, ADDIS ABABA ETHIOPIA,2023.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Sexual assault is a gender-based violence which is one of global health concern. There is a growing mental health consequence among sexual assault survivors particularly post traumatic stress disorder which is characterized by avoidance, re-experiencing and hyper arousal symptoms. Objective: The aim of this research is to determine the magnitude of post-traumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among sexual assault survivors Methods: Facility based Cross sectional study design was used at Mother child rehabilitation center and Association for women’S sanctuary and development centers. Participants were interviewed using pretested questioners including Post traumatic stress disorder checklist -5. Systemic sampling method was utilized with a total sample size of 292 computed using two population proportion formula. The diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder was made clinically if score is 31 or above out of 80 according to the checklist after adding those symptoms respondents manifests. The magnitude of Post-traumatic stress disorder was measured and those factors that had significant association to the dependent variable with p-value <0.5 in bivariate logistic regression were further analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Result. The prevalence of PTSD was found to be 32%. Significant association was seen in those who had history of adverse childhood experiences who are 9 time (AOR: 9.03, 95% CI: 3.311 24.664, p-value: .000) more likely to have PTSD. The odds of PTSD is 4 times in Respondents who know the offender (AOR: 3.69, 95% CI: 1.491-9.133, p-value:.005) and in assaults where more than one offender is involved the odds was found to be 7 times(AOR: 6.93, 95% CI: 1.124 42.808, p-value: .037) .Adequate legal services were found to decrease the risk of PTSD by 0.2 times(AOR: 0.160, 95% CI: 0.057-0.454, p-value:.001).Occurrence of post assault pregnancy is 5 times more likely to have PTSD (AOR:5.162, 95% CI: 1.122-23.743, p-value: 0.035) Conclusion. PTSD symptoms are more prevalent in sexually abused women. Sexual assault circumstance, vulnerability and quality of post assault care are major factors attributed for the development these symptoms. Awareness creation programs to the family and society, women empowerment programs and training of service providers are essential steps to increase the quality of care and to minimize the incidence of PTSD.