Outcome of Early Rehabilitation Services on the Development and Management of PTSD Among Soldiers in the Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army Enugu

Abstract

Background: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a significant and often under-managed mental health concern among military personnel, particularly those exposed to high-risk operations. Objective: This study investigated the outcome of early rehabilitation services on the development and management of PTSD among soldiers in Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, with a sample of 244 soldiers selected using a multi-stage sampling technique from a population of 500. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire that included the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Military Version (PCL-M) and the Combat Exposure Scale (CES). The instrument's reliability was confirmed with a test-retest coefficient of 0.82. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research question, while simple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance.

Results: The findings revealed that early rehabilitation services had a generally positive outcome, with a high average mean score of 3.44 (SD=0.37) indicating perceived improvement in psychological well-being. Soldiers reported feeling much better (Mean=3.70), feeling loved again (Mean=3.98), and experiencing reduced worry and depression (Mean=3.78). The regression analysis showed a significant positive relationship between the development of PTSD and the length of time spent in active service (R²=0.578, p<0.05) and duration of combat exposure (R²=0.720, p<0.05). Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between the outcome of early rehabilitation services and the development and management of PTSD (R²=0.423, p<0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

Conclusion: The study concludes that early rehabilitation services have a significant positive impact on managing PTSD among soldiers, although the length of service and combat exposure are key determinants in its development. It recommends the strengthening and personalization of early mental health interventions within the Nigerian military to enhance recovery and ensure operational effectiveness.