Risks of Traumas on Gender Among Flood Disaster Victims in South-South Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Based on biological and physiological differences, coupled with propensity for vulnerability, there is need to evaluate how disaster events impact gender. Consequently, this study focuses on the gender differences in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the people of South-South, Nigeria. Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of PTSD and whether PTSD prevalence and symptom responses differ between males and females among flood disaster victims in South-South Nigeria, with a view of providing appropriate recommendations based on the findings. Method: This research adopted a survey design to collect primary data from the selected communities through questionnaire. The study population was 1,063,732 from six most affected local government areas across the states. Purposive and random sampling was adopted, with a sample size of 399, determined using Taro Yamane. Participants were selected across 30 communities, using proportionate allocation based on population size and data was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics. Findings/Recommendations: The study revealed the prevalence of PTSD symptoms, including painful memories, unsettling nightmares, anxiety, and more. There is also variation in gender responses, with men having more intense memories and emotional responses, while women exhibited greater irritation and avoidance behaviors. The result was not statistically significant at p = 0.056, indicating no statistically significant difference in PTSD prevalence across the investigated locations. At (p=0.982), it shows no significant variation in PTSD levels between males and females in the sampled communities. The study concluded that PTSD symptoms were observed among flood-affected participants, while no statistically significant gender difference was detected and therefore recommended a proper psychosocial support, tailored for gender specific reactions to PTSD in the affected communities.