Relationship between Traumatic Experiences of Primary and Secondary Survivors and PTSD Severity in areas affected by Post- Election Violence of 2007/2008 in Nakuru County, Kenya.

Abstract

The 2007/2008 post-election violence in Kenya no doubt exposed children were to a myriad of traumatic events that left scars of shattered assumptions of safety and personal vulnerability.  Some of them may have developed anxiety disorders. The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between traumatic experiences and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) of primary and secondary survivors during the post-election violence of 2007/2008 in Nakuru county. A sample size of 460 respondents was derived from 10 divisions in Nakuru county that was among counties in Kenya that experienced the post-election violence.  The sample comprised of 400 children who included primary and secondary survivors of the violence and 20 deputy head teachers in the schools sampled as well as 40 parents. A multi-stage sampling approach was used to get the sample.  Data was obtained through questionnaires, interview schedules and Focused Group Discussions. The split-half method was used to determine the reliability of the research instruments. Data from questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics namely correlation computed using Pearson product moment formula.

Keywords: children survivors, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Post-Election Violence of 2007/2008, Traumatic Experiences.