Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression and Associated Factors in Post-Conflict Areas of North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

¹Department of Nursing, Asrat Woldeyes Health Science Campus, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia

²Department of Public, Debre Berhan Health Science College, Ethiopia

³Department of Midwifery, Debre Berhan Health Science College, Ethiopia

*Corresponding author: Yohannes Yilma, Department of Public, Debre Berhan Health Science College, Ethiopia, Tel: +251923020984, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: June 04, 2026

Published Date: July 14, 2026

ABSTRACT

Background

Conflict-related traumatic events are major public health concerns that contribute to the development of mental disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Although these conditions are common among conflict-affected populations, evidence at the community level in Ethiopia remains limited.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of PTSD, depression, and associated factors among adults living in post-conflict areas of North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 24 to June 24, 2022, among 830 adults selected using a multistage random sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires. PTSD was assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), while depression was measured using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25). Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Variables with p-value <0.25 in bivariable analysis were entered into multivariable analysis. Statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.

Results

A total of 830 participants were included in the study, yielding a response rate of 96%. The prevalence of PTSD was 63.0% (95% CI: 60%–66%), while the prevalence of depression was 66.0% (95% CI: 62%–69%). Factors significantly associated with PTSD were female sex (AOR=4.20, 95% CI: 2.82–6.27), inability to read and write (AOR=3.08, 95% CI: 1.67–5.69), witnessing the murder of loved ones (AOR=3.28, 95% CI: 1.58–6.79), witnessing the murder of strangers (AOR=2.04, 95% CI: 1.33–3.11), verbal threats or insults (AOR=4.09, 95% CI: 2.69–6.21), poor social support (AOR=5.26, 95% CI: 3.35–8.28), and moderate social support (AOR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.15–3.13). Depression was significantly associated with female sex, physical abuse, ill health without medical care, witnessing the murder of loved ones, poor social support, and moderate to high perceived stress.

Conclusion

PTSD and depression were highly prevalent among residents of conflict-affected communities in North Shoa Zone. Community-based mental health interventions, psychosocial support programs, and integration of mental health services into primary healthcare are recommended.

Keywords: PTSD, Depression, Conflict, Mental Health, Ethiopia, North Shoa