Political Risk Factors Associated With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among Internally Displaced Persons in Post- Election Violence of 2007/2008 in Kenya: Case of Mai Mahiu Camps in Nakuru Co

Post-election violence (PEV) witnessed in Kenya in the year 2007 - 2008 mostly in the informal settlements of major towns. The violence peculiarly created a traumatic event that increased risk for post trauma stress disorder (PTSD) among other many psychiatric conditions and psychological disorders. PTSD is influenced by a number of risk factors that are demographic or external. This study sought to establish current levels of PTSD and associated political risk factors among the post-election violence internally displaced persons (IDPs). This study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research methods in a case of Mai Mahiu Camps in Nakuru County. Yamane (1967:886) formula was used to compute the sample of 145 internally displaced persons sampled using stratified and simple random sampling methods to complete researcher administered questionnaires containing Impact of Events Scale. Data tools were pretested and Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.7 used to ascertain validity and reliability in the study. Quantitative data collected was coded, processed and cleaned off any inconsistencies and outliers. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 21) software was used to analyze the quantitative data using descriptive and inferential statistics. Factor analysis was carried out to reduce dimensions of multidimensional variables. Chi square tests of association, correlation and multiple linear regression models were used to determine the relationship between variables. Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis and results presented in verbatim. Findings were presented in the form of text, charts, graphs and tables. The findings indicated that all the internally displaced persons had symptoms of PTSD. PTSD was influenced by political factors and social demographic characteristics. Political risk x factors included oncoming elections supporters’ activities; while social demographic factors included age, gender, level of education completed, and marital status. The study recommended that the government should prioritize on their resettlement and guarantee their security and provision pre and post-election periods. Law should be enforced to ensure law, order and respect for humanity in conducting political activities including addressing both supporters and non-supporters. Politicians should be advised to spread messages of peace and prosperity. The public should be sensitized on tolerance, cohesion and integration. Internally displaced persons should be given education, support and therapy to reduce prevalence of PTSD