TRAUMA AND STRESSOR-RELATED DISORDERS AMONG INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

This paper assesses stress and trauma-related disorders among the Internally Displaced Persons in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. In its methodology, the study took a descriptive approach. A convenient sample of 300 participants were drawn from each of the four officially recognized camps in the FCT making a total sample of 900 participants for this study. Face-face interview was conducted using interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Two additional research assistants and two Hausa interpreters were recruited for this study. The response rate was 100 percent. Anxiety, adjustment and attachment disorders were most prevalent in this study. Traumatic stress disorders were higher in respondents aged 37-58, and the unemployed. The interview was face-face and psychological tools like PHQ-9, PHQ-GAD, PHQ-SADS were used. Findings showed that a large proportion of the respondents are less educated, 94% of respondents were unemployed as at the time of this study. (67%) and those separated from spouses and family as a result of Boko-harm attacks. Recommendation made was that getting timely help and support may prevent normal stress reactions from getting worse and developing into PTS