Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Among Secondary School Student Survivors in The Aftermath of A Road Traffic Accident in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Although distress after road traffic accidents (RTAs) can persist for several months, the
emotional needs of children and adolescents involved in RTAs are rarely recognized and they hardly
have any planned intervention.
Objectives: We aimed to screen, assess and diagnose Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among
secondary school students in the aftermath of an RTA that they experienced either as survivors or as
witnesses. While doing this, we assessed the incidence of PTSS 4 weeks after an RTA and examined the
possible adolescent characteristics predictors of PTSS following RTA.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 107 secondary students who either survived/witnessed the RTA
were consecutively enrolled. PTSS were assessed using the Children’s Revised Impact of Event Scale
(CRIES-8), sociodemographic variables were assessed using a proforma questionnaire while depressive
and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire and Spence
Children’s Anxiety Scale respectively.
Results: PTSS among children/adolescents who either witnessed or survived an RTA was 33.0%.
Independent predictors of PTSS among the children/adolescents were decreasing age, present academic
class (senior secondary), maternal level of education (lack of tertiary education), and presence of
clinically significant anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Conclusion: Routine consideration of the psychological impact of road traffic accidents should receive
the same priority as screening for physical injury. This indicates that clinicians need to link these patients
to the psychiatry clinic as it is also helpful for better physical rehabilitation.