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Victimisation and PTSD in a Greenlandic youth sample
Sidsel H Karsberg1, Mathias Lasgaard, Ask Elklit
1Institute of Psychology, Danish National Centre for Psychotraumatology, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark. skarsberg@health.sdu.dk
International Journal of Circumpolar Health
|September 14, 2012
Summary
Greenlandic adolescents experience high rates of potentially traumatic events (PTEs), with 86% exposed to direct and 74.3% to indirect trauma. This study highlights significant mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly among girls.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Health
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Limited knowledge exists on trauma exposure and mental health in Greenlandic adolescents despite high prevalence.
- Previous reports indicate a growing and significant burden of trauma in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the lifetime prevalence of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Greenlandic adolescents.
- To examine the relationship between PTE exposure, PTSD symptoms, and sociodemographic factors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 269 adolescents (aged 12-18) from Northern Greenland.
- Assessment of exposure to 20 types of PTEs and their psychological impact.
- Evaluation of PTSD prevalence and subclinical symptoms.
Main Results:
- High lifetime prevalence of PTEs: 86% direct exposure and 74.3% indirect exposure.
- Estimated PTSD prevalence of 17.1%, with an additional 14.2% showing subclinical symptoms.
- Father's education level and multiple PTE exposures were linked to increased PTSD symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Substantial mental health issues, including PTSD, are prevalent in Greenlandic adolescents, associated with PTEs.
- Greenlandic adolescents report higher exposure to specific PTEs compared to international peers.
- Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable, reporting greater exposure to both direct and indirect PTEs.
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