THE PREVALENCE OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AMONG SCHOOL-AGED ADOLESCENTS IN JAIL

Aim: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is related to trauma and stress; this disorder can affect anyone after having experienced a stressful traumatic event. The survey was conducted to assess the prevalence of PTSD in an incarcerated school-aged adolescent of the centre of reform and discipline of the prefecture of Salé in Morocco. In addition, to study the level of anxiety and depression which present the most associated disorders of PTSD.

Methods: Fifty-two male students were selected who continued their study in the prison school. The age of these students were between 13 and 17 years. The validated questionnaires (CPTS-RI, STAIY and CDI) were used and completed by the students for this survey which carried out during the period from March to June 2017.

Results: Given the specificity of students characterized by detention and poverty and low level of parental education, we found 55.77% of prevalence of PTSD. While for PTSD co-morbidities among adolescents, 84.62% were found to have anxiety and 82.70% to have depression. The most traumatic event that caused post-traumatic stress disorder was detention with 44.20% and 90.40% of students who have poor grades. If the level of PTSD increased, the academic results decreased (p <0.001). If the level of PTSD increased, the level of anxiety and depression increased (p < 0.001 and p = 0.024).

Conclusion: With the important prevalence of PTSD in an incarcerated school-aged adolescent, the negative impact of this disorder can be significant on the well-being of these adolescents. There are practical implications for supporting and healing these adolescents with this disorder.