Abstract This study examined the prevalence and associated factors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among 733 adolescents aged 15–18 years in low-resourced schools in the Western Cape, South Africa. Cross-sectional data from a 2022 survey were analysed using validated measures of mental health and psychosocial variables. Data were drawn from a school-based survey conducted in 2022 among 733 adolescents aged 15–18 years in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Data were collected from 12 schools in collaboration with two nonprofit organisations that provide psychosocial services to learners in the community. Participants completed standardized measures assessing PTSD, depression, anxiety, and related demographic and psychosocial factors. A multiple linear regression model was used to examine associations between demographic and psychological factors and PTSD symptom severity. Most participants (92.6%) reported exposure to at least one traumatic event, with a mean of 4.7 events. The prevalence of clinically significant PTSD symptoms was 31%. Regression analyses identified female gender, anxiety, depression, bullying (victimisation and perpetration), and emotional regulation difficulties as significant predictors of higher PTSD symptoms. Socioeconomic status, social support, self-esteem, substance use, and physical activity were not significant. The findings highlight a high burden of trauma-related distress and the need for integrated adolescent mental health interventions.
Ngcakani-Mtati et al. (Mon,) studied this question.