Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and its Associated Factors among Nepali Army Service Members and Veterans: 15 Years Post Insurgency

Authors

  • Namrata Mahara Rawal Department of Neuro-psychiatry, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3568-6474
  • Monalisha Pradhan Department of Neuro-psychiatry, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu
  • Pradeep Manandhar Department of Neuro-psychiatry, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu
  • Suman Prasad Adhikari Department of Neuro-psychiatry, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu
  • Richa Amatya Department of Neuro-psychiatry, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu
  • Bharat Khadka Department of Neuro-psychiatry, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/nmcj.v23i4.42208

Keywords:

Mental Health, Insurgency, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Combat Exposure, Combatants

Abstract

Globally, mental health problems constitute a serious public health problem, contributing 14 % to the global burden of disease. The aim of this epidemiological study was to identify prevalence rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), factors associated and its relationship with combat exposure in a post-insurgency period in Nepali army personnel and Veterans. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adults in 2021. In the study both quantitative and qualitative mixed approach with descriptive design was followed. The outcome measures used in the study were locally validated with PCL-M and combat exposure scale. Of the sample, 9 % met threshold for PTSD. The association of variable in reference to age, rank, education and service years with PTSD showed that Age group and Education in current study did not show significant association. However, PTSD with years of service and rank showed significant association. The study also showed a significant relationship between combat exposure and PTSD. There is a significant association between different level of education and combat exposure as well. Overall, the prevalence rates of PTSD in the sample are comparable to other studies conducted with populations affected by conflict and with refugees. However, the findings underscore the need to address the current mental health care awareness and resources in combatants who were exposed to traumatic events during combat in insurgency period. Traumatic exposure predicted increase in PTSD.

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Published

2021-12-31

How to Cite

Rawal, N. M., Pradhan, M., Manandhar, P., Adhikari, S. P., Amatya, R., & Khadka, B. (2021). Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and its Associated Factors among Nepali Army Service Members and Veterans: 15 Years Post Insurgency. Nepal Medical College Journal, 23(4), 281–289. https://doi.org/10.3126/nmcj.v23i4.42208

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Section

Original Articles