Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Behavioural Disorders Among Adolescents in Gombe State

This study examines the relationship between childhood trauma and the prevalence of behavioural disorders among adolescents in Gombe State, North East Nigeria. Childhood trauma, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to community violence, represents a significant risk factor for a range of developmental and psychiatric outcomes. In the context of North East Nigeria's recovery from prolonged insurgency, exposure to traumatic events among children and adolescents has become a particularly urgent public health concern. This research adopted a cross-sectional epidemiological design and administered the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to 390 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years in six secondary schools across Gombe metropolis and surrounding communities. Logistic regression was used to examine the odds of behavioural disorder diagnosis associated with different types of trauma exposure. Results indicate that emotional neglect and exposure to community violence were the most prevalent trauma types. Physical abuse and sexual abuse were the strongest predictors of conduct disorder and oppositional defiant behaviours. Cumulative trauma exposure demonstrated a clear dose-response relationship with behavioural disorder severity. The study recommends the integration of trauma-informed approaches in secondary school counselling practice across Gombe State. Keywords: childhood trauma, behavioural disorders, adolescents, Gombe State, trauma-informed care.