Cognitive Behavioral Intervention For Trauma In Schools (CBITS) In Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Adolescents In Selected Public Primary Schools In Informal Settlements, Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

Adolescents living in informal settlements are likely to be exposed to multiple traumatic events, possibly leading to disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study assessed the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) in alleviating PTSD symptoms among adolescents living in informal settlements in Kajiado County, Kenya. Functional descriptive model of posttraumatic growth and organismic valuing process theories were applied in the study carried out at Embulbul and Enoomatasiani primary schools. Through simple random sampling, a sample of 212 was achieved, and via quasi-experimental design, the schools were purposely sampled and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS-5-R) was applied to include participants aged 10-14 years in grades 5-7 and with scores of 31 to 60. The experimental group received 10 weekly CBITS sessions. Both groups were assessed at baseline, midline, and end line using SDQ, CPSS-5-R, MSPSS, and PTGI-C-R. The study data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as ANOVA, with the aid of SPSS version 20. PTSD was found to have a prevalence rate of 40.8% whereas gender was associated with PTSD: males n=90; mean=42.02: 95% CI [40.18-43.91]; females n=104; 45.56: 95% CI [43.61-47.50], (F1,192)=6.577, p=0.011). There was a difference [F(1,192)=7.796, p=0.006] between the respondents who had experienced physical violence (n=121; mean=45.40: 95% CI [43.65-47.16]) and those who had not (n=71; mean=41.48: 95% CI [39.37-43.59]). A positive correlation [0.331(p<0.001)] was found between absenteeism and PTSD, and CBITS was found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD [t(94)=-6.935, p=0.000]. The findings can be applied by the Kenya Ministry of Health to revamp policies that enhance access to psychological care for adolescents.