POST LORD’S RESISTANCE ARMY (PLRA) WAR CONSEQUENCES AND PTSD SYMPTOMS AMONG PATIENTS IN GULU REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN UGANDA

Abstract

Globally, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was projected as the prime reason for disability by the year 2020 and the most prevalent mental health issue among war survivors. This mixed methods study investigated the relationship between the Post LRA (PLRA) war consequences and the level of PTSD among patients in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH), and the role of counseling psychology and social support in rehabilitation of the PTSD patients. A total of 189 respondents participated in the key informant interviews, while 10 completed the questionnaires. The results showed that financial scarcity had the greatest consequence on flashbacks, followed by intrusive thoughts and nightmares. Remarriage and divorce had the greatest consequence on hyper vigilance followed by startle response, aggression and anger. Results further showed that Physical and psychological abuse were associated with social and occupational dysfunctions, while counseling psychology and social support had the greatest consequence on avoidance, followed by hyper arousal and re-experiencing, respectively. The study results suggest that provision of psychological counselling services and improving the social support system would ensure a faster recovery of PTSD patients. The study recommends an integrated, holistic approach for the management of post LRA war consequences that entails medical, psychological, spiritual, material and social support services.