A Survey of Psychological Distress among People in Ungwan Rukuba Community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria.

Background
Nigeria, like many other countries in Africa is facing a great challenge of insecurity, terrorism and unprovoked attacks on innocent citizens. Ungwan Rukuba community came under heavy attack by gunmen recently, leaving scores of people dead and injured. The attack created panic and fear among the survivors. There is a visible sense of apprehension and fear among the residents of this area especially among those who sustained injuries from the recent attack as well as those who saw it happen but escaped unhurt. Even those who were not at home during the time of the attack but live in this area are also not spared from the palpable fear of a possible repeat of this kind of attack. This study estimated the level of psychological distress among the people in Ungwan Rukuba community.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Angwan Rukuba community where only adult respondents were studied. Data were collected using structured socio- demographic questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) to assess psychological distress among the respondents.
Results.
A total of 104 adults were studied comprising of 55 females and 49 males i.e 52.9% were females and 47.1% males. The prevalence of psychological distress was 67.2% among females compared to 52% in males. The poor, younger, less educated and unemployed were more prone to develop psychological distress.
Conclusion.
There is a very high burden of psychological distress among people in Ungwan Rukuba community who recently experienced terrorist attacks. There is a need to stem the tide of insecurity in our communities in order to safeguard the mental health of our people.

Psychological distress, people, Ungwan-Rukuba, Jos, Nigeria

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