Traumatic Events and Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Amongst Sudanese Nationals, Refugees and Ugandans in the West Nile- African Health Sciences, Vol. 4, No. 2, 2004

While some might find the juxtaposition between pen and conflict abnormal, others such as the five Sudanese writers in the article: "I write to expel my fear - storytelling in the Sudans", published by The Guardian, would argue it to be the norm. It is suggested by the author of the article, Bhakti Shringarpure, that the use of writing is not only a way of connecting with others that are feeling the mental anguish of war, however, writing is also - in a sense - therapeutic. It allows for one to "expel [...their] fears" and connect with others feeling the emotional burden of a conflict-ridden society.

On the other hand, while it is important to understand the grieving process of such individuals and not to take lightly, Karunakara et al. study the issue of mental illness and conflict within Sudan, Africa, in their article "Traumatic Events and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Amongst Sudanese Nationals, Refugees and Ugandans in The West Nile" vol. 2 no. 4 of African Health Sciences, in hopes of better understanding how conflict and mental illness are connected. Further, they compare the traumatic experiences of Sudanese nationals and the association it has with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in three population groups in Northern Uganda and Southern Sudan.

The methods used in this study were that of both household and individual level data that was collected through a single-round cross-sectional demographic survey within the sub-countries of Yivu, Odupi and Midia, in the Northern Uganda District Arua, and Otogo, in the Yei River district of Southern Sudan. The residents were then categorized on the basis of citizenship and refugee status (read: Ugandan nationals, Sudanese nationals, or Sudanese refugees). The random sample population consisted of 3,323 adults, with a mean age of 30 years, 75 percent of which were females from 1,831 national and refugee households.

Results indicated that Sudanese refugees experienced and witnessed the highest number of traumatic events. While the witnessing of traumatic events significantly increased the chances of the establishment of PTSD in surveyed populations. Gender, age, education, as well as occupation played a significant role in the development of PTSD symptoms in patients studied. The population prevalence of PTSD was estimated to be 48% for Sudanese nationals, 46% for Sudanese refugees, and only 18% for Ugandan nationals--significantly lower than the Sudanese.

In summary, symptoms of PTSD in war-effected Sudanese populations can partly be explained by the exposure of traumatic events. While the prevalence of violence and symptoms of PTSD in refugee populations concretize the need for better overall protection and security in refugee settlements. The need is at its greatest for humanitarian agencies working in these re-settlement populations to consider the provision for mental services.

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