Meaning Making and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the Cameroonian Context: Personal and Community Sense of Coherence in Internally Displaced Persons From the North West and South West Regions

Abstract

Introduction: Cameroon has been experiencing state-based conflicts for almost a decade, in the Far North, North West (NW) and South West (SW) regions. Literature on effects of conflicts on population is consistent regarding the potential development of clinically significant impairment. Also, studies have shown the influence of protective factors in yielding a different trajectory after experiencing life threatening events. Sense of Coherence (SOC) and Community Sense of Coherence (SOCC) are parts of those salutary factors. Objective: This study aimed at comparing the relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Personal and Community Sense of Coherence in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) belonging to communities in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon. Study design: Cross-sectional study Method: IDPs aged 18 and above belonging to communities in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon were systematically sampled from two local NGO based in Yaounde: Trauma Centre Cameroon (TCC) and Hope and Rehabilitation Organization (HaRO) . The research questionnaire made of Trauma event Checklist, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5, Orientation to Life Questionnaire-SOC 13, Community Sense of Coherence Questionnaire and a Sociodemographic was administered to 172 participants. Data was analysed using stata version 16. Participant characteristics, trauma xv events, PTSD, personal and community coherence variables was presented in a tabular form. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the influence of the independent variables on PTSD. Associations was reported by use of odds ratios with their 95% CI. Statistical significance was taken at p <0.05. Results: Ninety-four percent (94%) of participants were screened positive for PTSD. Sixty two percent (62%) had a weak Personal Sense of Coherence and thirty-eight percent (38) had a weak Sense of Community Coherence. There was a negative correlation between PTSD and Personal SOC. No correlation between PTSD and Community SOC. Weak Correlation between SOC and SOCC