TITLE:
Epidemio-Clinical Profile of Psychotrauma in Military Victims of Terrorists Attacks in Benin in December 2021
AUTHORS:
Guy-Gérard Aza-Gnandji, David Sinet Koivogui, Kokou Messanh Agbémèlé Soedje, Tchedié Etdéchié Elvyre Klikpo, Josiane Ezin Houngbe
KEYWORDS:
Psychotrauma, Peritraumatic Dissociation, Peritraumatic Distress, Terrorist Attacks, Military
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.13 No.6,
December
26,
2023
ABSTRACT: Introduction: In December 2021, Beninese soldiers were victims of armed terrorist
attacks. This study aims to determine the psychological impact of the events
experienced on the victims in order to better prevent post-traumatic stress
disorder. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional
study conducted from December 13 to 14, 2021, i.e. 12 days after the oldest event
and 4 days after the most recent. The experience of the event was assessed with the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory and the Peritraumatic Dissociation
Experiences Questionnaire. Symptoms experienced in the hours and days after the
event were assessed with the Revised Event Impact Scale. Results: 36
soldiers were included out of the 38 survivors, i.e. 94.73%. They were 51.43% victims of the night assault, 37.14%
of the ambush on patrol and 11.43% of the explosion of vehicle on mine, all
male. The average age was 31 years with extremes
of 25 and 49 years. The 25 - 30
year olds predominated, 52.78%. 100% of soldiers had significant peritraumatic
dissociation, of which 94.44% also had significant
peritraumatic distress. 100% of the soldiers had manifestations of intrusion,
89% of manifestations of avoidance and 83% of manifestations of
hyperexcitation. 88.89% had an index for acute stress including 100% of victims
of night assault and vehicle explosion on mine. Conclusion: This study
shows a high prevalence of peritraumatic reactions, recognized factors favoring
post-traumatic stress disorder, and the interest of their evaluation for
medical and psychological help adapted to the victims.