Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Growth among General Service Unit Officers in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Post- Traumatic Growth (PTG), alongside the coping strategies employed by officers of the General Service Unit (GSU) in Nairobi, Kenya. The research addressed a critical gap in the literature concerning these phenomena within the GSU's unique operational and cultural context. Grounded in the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and Post-Traumatic Growth Theory, the study adopted a cross-sectional, mixed-methods correlational design. A sample of 115 GSU officers was selected from an initial 120 distributed questionnaires (95.8% response rate) using cluster and quota sampling. Data were collected using validated self-report instruments (PCL-5, PTGI-X, Brief COPE) and semi-structured interviews with five psychosocial support workers. Results revealed that 39.1% of officers met the clinical threshold for probable PTSD, with emotional reactivity, avoidance, and hypervigilance as the most prominent symptoms. Remarkably, 84.3% of officers reported significant PTG, with spiritual and existential domains scoring highest. Officers predominantly employed problem-focused coping, but approximately 30% also engaged in substance use. The study found a weak to moderate positive correlation between PTSD and PTG (r = 0.287, p = 0.002). Qualitative findings confirmed multifaceted trauma exposure and identified significant barriers to formal support, including stigma and confidentiality concerns. The study concluded that GSU officers experienced a substantial psychological burden yet demonstrated remarkable resilience. Recommendations included establishing comprehensive mental health support systems, implementing routine psychological screening, and developing targeted substance abuse prevention programs. The research also emphasized the development of a national police mental health policy.