Coping Mechanisms for Trauma among Flood Disaster Victims in South-South Nigeria.

Abstract

This research looked at methods adopted as coping mechanisms for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among flood disaster victims in South-South Nigeria. This area comprises of six states, which is one of the regions most affected by flood. The study is guided by two objectives and related research questions which includes the PTSD indicators and the coping mechanisms among the flood victims. The research design utilizes survey method to collect primary data from the affected communities using questionnaire. The sample population is 1,063,732 from six most affected local government areas in each of the state. Sampling technique adopted is both purposive and random sampling with a sample size of 399, determined using Taro Yamane and participants selected across 30 communities. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in form of mean, percentages, and frequencies presented in tables. The findings revealed PTSD indicators such as anxiety, fear, nightmares, and physical symptoms like headaches and stomach pains, which is predominant among sampled communities, while coping strategies include prayer, seeking support from family and friends, accessing mental health care, and avoiding memories of the flood. The study concluded that flood victims experience significant psychological impacts, with diverse coping strategies. It recommends that government put in place funding, institutional framework and mental health professionals that will provide psychosocial support to the effected victims. This research underscores the importance of timely and comprehensive mental health interventions in post-disaster recovery efforts.