Sociodemographic outcomes of childhood trauma experiences among young adults in the rural community of South Africa

Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Background Childhood trauma is a moving target, as its negative effects extend beyond the immediate mental health of individuals and continue to affect the victim years after it has occurred. st1 Aim The study aimed to determine the sociodemographic determinants of childhood traumatic events among young adults in the rural community. st2 Setting The study was conducted in South Africa. st3 Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used to gather data among a sample of 380 participants in the rural community of the North West province. Data were collected using four sets of questionnaires to screen demographic determinants, childhood traumatic events and symptoms of depression and anxiety in the rural community of the North West. st4 Results With the probability set at< 0.20, the findings showed that sociodemographic outcomes associated with childhood traumatic events are level of education, employment status, planning children, residence within the rural community, substance use, religious beliefs and depressive and anxiety symptoms. st5 Conclusion The findings of the study confirm that sociodemographic determinants are important factors in understanding the impact of childhood traumatic events. st6 Contribution This insight highlights the need for screening of childhood traumatic events. Depressive and anxiety symptoms should be prioritised in health facilities in South Africa. st7