Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Its Impact on the Daily Lives of Schoolchildren in Public Schools in Morocco: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) usually occurs after traumatic occurrences that exceed the range of common human experience. The study investigates the prevalence of PTSD among schoolchildren in public schools in the city of Salé in Morocco. Our seconde objective for this study is to assess the co-morbidities of PTSD (the disorders of anxiety and depression). Also, study the effect of PTSD on the educational career and social life. According to a cross-sectional survey, 900 schoolchildren were selected with an age between 11 and 16 years. The percentage was 89% of participants who agreed to take part. The validated questionnaires were processed by the schoolchildren. 31.7% prevalence of PTSD was expressed; this percentage was due to certain predictors in schoolchildren (adventure, independence from parents, etc.), poverty and low level of education of parents. Among schoolchildren with PTSD, girls had a higher percentage (60.7%) compared to boys (39.3%).77.2% and 51.3% of schoolchildren suffered from anxiety and depression respectively. The negative effects of PTSD on students' lives are: 52.6% with poor academic results. 50.1% had difficulty concentrating and 10.2% suffered from memory problems. 29.7% with suicidal thoughts and 29.3% disinterest in activities. Unfortunately, there are negative consequences of this disorder, especially with the significant prevalence of PTSD, on the well-being of these school-age adolescents. There are interventions to treat this disorder in affected adolescents.