Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Gender Differences Amongst Internal Displaced People: A Case Study, Central Equatoria State, South Sudan, Juba

This study is an attempt to investigate into various types of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, inflicted by war on people of central Equatoria State between period of (1993- 2013). The general objective of this study is to assess the psychological conditions of people in Central Equatoria State traumatized by war in order to provide more information about posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) signs and symptoms of various types being manifested by traumatized people in the war areas. The objectives of the study are to: investigate incidences during the war which might have acted as probable causes of trauma to the civilians even the fighting warring parties; examine various types and symptoms of PTSD inflicted by war on people of Central Equatoria in South Sudan and suggest strategies of intervention such as counseling and guidance for these traumatized people. Data required were collected from 200 respondent using questionnaires, direct interviews, group discussions, observation technique, and structured questions. Quantitative data obtained were analysis using Excel, SPSS23, Office Word format, and other tools; while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis which involves identification and transcribing the qualitative findings into different themes. Generally, the study results show that 78% of females in IDP camps in Juba were illiterate, and 60% of female respondents suffered psychological signs and symptoms of hyperarousal and they complained of bad living conditions, experiencing constant fear, and were always super alert. The result showed that 70% of male respondent have lost interest in their usual activities, and they go to work with fear. The result of interview showed that most of the respondents living in IDP camps and people on camps (POC) were suffering from different types of posttraumatic stress disorders, 50% of them complained of experiencing symptoms such as flashback episodes, repeated, nightmares, and most of the female experienced insomnia (lack of sleep) and fast heartbeat. The findings also show that 50% of respondents spread between male and female in their reaction to avoidance symptoms and feeling detached, avoiding people, or stories that trigger the war events. Results show that 49% of female respondents used to seek help from traditional healers i.e. (Kugyuru, and Faki) when their traumatic symptoms persist. They prefer traditional headers more than proper trained counselors, because the traditional headers were at their easy reach, cheaper, and no appointment needed, the victims were free to see him at any time. Moreover, findings revealed that the people living in these camps have been expose to prolonged violence of various types, and had been displaced for several times and for many years. Result also showed that that little counseling service was being provided; there was only one qualified counselor in Juba (ToTachan Centre) who was applying psychological counseling. Based on the findings, the study recommended that more properly trained counselors should be recruited to address the problem of PTSD in Central Equatoria State.