Prevalence and Determinants of Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Internally Displaced People in Aksum, Armed Conflict–Affected Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major public health concern among conflict-affected populations and can lead to long-term physical and psychological consequences. In 2020, Ethiopia recorded the highest number of internally displaced people (IDPs) due to conflict and war, with particularly severe displacement in the Tigray region. Despite this, limited attention has been given to the mental health of IDPs, and little is known about the prevalence of PTSD in this population, particularly in the war torn Tigray region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD and identify associated factors among internally displaced people in Aksum Town, Tigray Region, Ethiopia, in 2024. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 03/2024 to March 03/2024 among IDPs in Aksum Town using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Frequencies, odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values were computed. Variables with p-values < 0.25 in bivariable analysis were included in multivariable logistic regression to control for confounding. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of PTSD was 60.2% (95% CI: 57.1–63.7). Multivariable logistic regression identified several significant predictors of PTSD: witnessing sexual abuse (AOR = 1.515; 95% CI: 1.029–2.229), observing others suffering injuries or illness (AOR = 1.524; 95% CI: 1.046–2.493), being displaced multiple times (AOR = 2.542; 95% CI: 1.059–6.102), and being aged 25–34 years (AOR = 2.922; 95% CI: 1.371–6.228), 35–44 years (AOR = 2.501; 95% CI: 1.151–5.439), or >44 years (AOR = 2.630; 95% CI: 1.221–5.665). Conclusions : The prevalence of PTSD among internally displaced people in Aksum Town was high. Key determinants included witnessing sexual abuse, observing injuries, frequency of displacement, and older age groups. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions for IDPs in conflict-affected settings. Trial registration : not applicable