Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among reporters: a Case of Standard Media Group Limited, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to address the topic of the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among field reporters in Standard Media Group in Nairobi County, Kenya. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of PTSD, determine the risk factors and find out coping strategies that can be implemented in the Standard Media Group, Kenya on reporters presenting with PTSD symptoms. The study population was 68 respondents, and the primary data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and a PTSD scale to determine the symptoms of PTSD that the reporters experience. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 27. The study used a descriptive research design and a correlational research strategy. The study revealed that majority of the respondents 72% of them, were between the age of 24 to 36 years. The study also found out that 49% of the respondents had little or no PTSD compared to 51% of them who had PTSD. The study showed that 26% of the respondents preferred talking to loved ones but also noted that only 13% of them preferred counseling. The recommendations that were suggested by this study were that the Standard Media Group Limited, Kenya needs to develop strategies to help their employees address mental health challenges. The media house would also benefit with having a staff counselor to give professional counselling to the journalists. There was also a need to sensitize and bring awareness of the negative impact of PTSD to ensure that reporters seek support on mental issues having had knowledge of PTSD.