Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and coping strategies among refugees in Kyaka II Settlement Camp, Kyegegwa District.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and coping strategies among refugees. The objectives of the study were (a) to examine the relationship between PTSD and coping strategies, (b) to investigate the relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression, (c) to determine the relationship between depression and coping strategies, and (d) to identify the mediating role of depression in the relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and coping strategies among refugees. The study was quantitative with a sample size of 201 refugees obtained through a stratified random sampling technique from Kyaka II Settlement Camp, Kyegegwa District in Uganda, of which 100 were males and the rest were females. Data was analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, and hypothesis 4, which examined the mediation relationship, was analyzed using Multiple Linear Regression analysis. Results showed that there is a significant positive relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and coping strategies, (r (198) =.43, p<.01.), a significant positive relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and depression,( r (198) =.65, p<.01. ) and a significantly positive relationship between depression and copying strategies,(r (198) =.38, p<.01.) . Conclusively, there is a significant relationship between the study variables as hypothesized. Mental health experts like psychologists and psychiatrists should create awareness campaigns on mental challenges (PTSD and depression) and how coping strategies are affected and affect mental health. Further research should be done among other groups of people to compare findings and create more effective policies for the different subgroups.