Studying Higher Education within Armed Conflict Areas of Thailand: a Study of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and examine the associated factors between students who studied at campuses located within the areas affected by Southern Thailand’s insurgency, and those in a nearby province.
Material and Methods: This study was of a cross-sectional designed, conducted by self-administered questionnaires; using the Thai version of the PTSD checklist. The subject groups were Prince of Songkla University students who studied at the Pattani Campuses, which are located within the restive areas of Southern Thailand’s insurgency, and Hat Yai Campus, which is in a nearby province. 
Results: Of all 897 university students, 454 university students studied in Pattani. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms was 30.8%; which is statistically significant, compared with 17.6% of those who studied in Hat Yai (p-value<0.001). The associated factors, in both groups, were perception of stress from the violence due to the insurgency. Moreover, domicile and intention to resign were significantly associated with PTSD symptoms in the Pattani Campus group. However, gender, religion and satisfaction of university teaching were associated factors among university students at the Hat Yai Campus. 
Conclusion: Difference of PTSD symptoms among university students, who studied at the campus located in restive areas and a nearby province, was statistically significant. Both groups reported that perception of stress from the violence due to the insurgency was associated with their PTSD symptoms.