The Incidence of Traumatic Events and Trauma-Associated Symptoms/Experiences Amongst Tertiary Students

Abstract

Few epidemiological studies of traumatic events amongst tertiary students have been conducted in South Africa. The aims of this study were to quantify the number of traumatic events experienced by Technikon Pretoria students in the preceeding year and to record the types of trauma symptoms experienced as a result of these traumatic events. The incidence of 10 traumatic event categories have been measured by means of the Traumatic Stress Schedule in a convenience sample (N = 245). The sample consisted of females (n = 183) and males (n = 61). It was found that more than two thirds (70,6%) of the sample reported one or more traumatic events during the preceeding year, with the most frequent traumatic event categories being the death of a loved one, negative change in life circumstances and witness to injury/death. The least frequent traumatic event categories were natural disasters and motor vehicle accidents. Females reported a significantly higher incidence of unwanted sexual activity than males. Intrusive thoughts, particularly amongst female students, was the most frequent symptom associated with 8 of the 10 traumatic event categories, while physical injuries was the least frequent symptom associated with all the traumatic event categories.