Stress Biomarkers and Physiological Correlates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Internally Displaced Persons in Borno State

The protracted conflict in North East Nigeria has generated large populations of internally displaced persons, many of whom experience post-traumatic stress disorder. The physiological consequences of this condition in displaced populations remain empirically underexamined. This study assessed stress biomarkers and physiological correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder among internally displaced persons in camps in Borno State, North East Nigeria. A cross-sectional design enrolled 100 internally displaced adults who screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, alongside 50 non-displaced community controls. Salivary cortisol was collected at morning and evening time points. Blood pressure, resting heart rate, and sleep quality were measured. Inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was assayed from blood samples. Multiple regression and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied. Results showed significantly elevated morning cortisol, flattened diurnal cortisol slope, elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, higher blood pressure, and worse sleep quality in post-traumatic stress disorder-positive participants. Morning cortisol was the strongest physiological predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder severity score. This study contributes original data linking post-traumatic stress disorder to neuroendocrine and inflammatory dysregulation in a displaced Nigerian population, addressing a significant evidence gap. Trauma-informed care integrating physiological monitoring is recommended for healthcare provision in IDP camps. Keywords: post-traumatic stress disorder, cortisol, internally displaced, HPA axis, Borno State.