Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Journalists who Cover Traumatic Events: A Case Study of Nation Media Group Limited, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Nation Media Group’s journalists who cover traumatic events. The study sought to determine the prevalence of PTSD among the journalists, to identify the different types of traumatic events journalists have been exposed to in their line of duty, and to describe the relationship between journalists’ socio- demographic characteristics and PTSD. A case study descriptive research design guided the study. The target population comprised news reporters, correspondents, and photojournalists of the Nation Media Group, who work within Nairobi and go for fieldwork. By use of systematic random sampling, a sample of 70 print media journalists was identified, while simple random sampling was used to identify 20 journalists from the broadcasting media. Quantitative data was collected through a questionnaire and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) psychometric tool was used to measure the degree of PTSD prevalence. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23, and presented in percentages, mean scores, and standard deviation. Key findings of the study were that out of 70 respondents, the prevalence of PTSD symptoms was at 23(33.5%); the most prevalent traumatic experience for the respondents was motor vehicle accidents, with 45(64.7%) of the respondents having covered it more than 5 times; there were significant relationships between age, years of work experience, education level, and marital status with PTSD with p values of 0.002, 0.005, 0.016, and 0.004 respectively; The study recommended the need for Nation Media Group to set up a counselling unit, and also conduct seminars and workshops to sensitize journalists on trauma symptoms, effects, and management.