ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SCHOOL-BASED INTERVENTION PROGRAM IN REDUCING POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER SYMPTOMS AMONG TRAUMATIC CHILDREN IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental public health problem. It can affect people of all ages. A child with PTSD keeps having scary thoughts and memories of a past event. They find the event terrifying, either physically or emotionally. The symptoms of PTSD may start soon after a stressful event. Or they may not happen for 6 months or longer. Some children with PTSD have long-term effects. They may feel emotionally numb for a very long time. PTSD in children often becomes a long-term (chronic) problem. PTSD may be accompanied by: depression, substance abuse and anxiety. Hence, the study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a School-Based Intervention Program in Reducing PTSD symptoms among traumatic Children in South-south Nigeria

Method: The study was a descriptive review that used quantitative reasoning to x-ray and assess the effectiveness of a School-Based Intervention Program in Reducing PTSD symptoms among traumatic Children in South south. A descriptive analysis/review was done and presented in a narrative format to assess the effectiveness of a School-Based Intervention Program using a robust search strategy and literature review and making recommendations.

Results: PTSD can be handled pharmacologically and non-pharmacologically. Treatment depends on the child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It also depend on how bad the condition is.. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. It ease symptoms and enhance the child’s normal development. It also improves the child’s quality of life. The option available may include: Cognitive behavioral therapy. A child learns skills to handle their anxiety and to master the situation that led to the PTSD. Medicines for depression or anxiety. These may help some children feel calmer as recovery from PTSD varies. Some children recover within 6 months. Others have symptoms that last much longer. Recovery depends on the child’s inner strengths, coping skills, and ability to bounce back. It's also affected by the level of family support. Parents play a vital role in this regard. These measures help prevent PTSD in children.

Recommendations: Encourage prevention programs in your community or local school system. Create one if none exist. Decrease the impact of unavoidable disasters, by practicing disaster response drills in homes and schools and inculcate a positive culture of caring for children with PTSD.

Conclusion: The study provided evidence-based support for the effectiveness of school-based intervention programs in reducing PTSD symptoms among children who have experienced trauma. The development of policies and programs aimed at supporting traumatic children, and a comprehensive plan in the implementation of effective school-based programs is highly essential to cater for children with PTSD symptoms. For schools with non-existence of intervention programs in reducing PTSD symptoms among children, provision should be made to set up this very important program since PTSD is of mental public health importance.