Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among Internally Displaced Persons in Maiduguri, North East Nigeria

Mass displacement resulting from armed conflict creates profound psychological trauma, rendering internally displaced persons (IDPs) at heightened risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study investigates the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of PTSD symptoms among adult IDPs residing in camps in Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design will be employed, with 300 adult participants selected using systematic sampling from three IDP camps managed by humanitarian organizations. The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) will be administered through trained community interpreters, with additional data collected on displacement duration, trauma exposure type, and social support. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression will be used in the analysis. Existing evidence documents extremely high PTSD rates in North East Nigeria, particularly among those who experienced bereavement, sexual violence, or destruction of property during insurgency. This study will contribute institution-level data to ongoing humanitarian mental health responses in Borno State and support the scaling of evidence-based psychosocial support programs. Findings will be disseminated to the Borno State government, UNHCR, and international mental health NGOs. Keywords: PTSD, internally displaced persons, Maiduguri, Borno State, armed conflict