Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Suicidal Behavior among Refugees in Kakuma Camp in Turkana County, Kenya

The International Rescue Committee reports a rise in suicide rates among refugees in Kakuma camp, Kenya. The paper’s objective was to assess the influence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on suicidal behavior among refugees in kakuma camp in Turkana County, Kenya. The study adopted the suicide theory of hopelessness. A descriptive research survey design was used to address the study variables. The target population for the study was 178,204 refugees, drawn from Kakuma refugee camp data and 24 refugee leaders and 40 individuals from section leaders, camp chairpersons, representatives from Kakuma MHPSS TWG, communication coordinators and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). A sample of 384 refugees was determined using Cochran sampling formula. The researcher collected primary data from the population using a structured questionnaire for refugees and interview guide for key informants. Quantitative data gathered from the research study was analyzed qualitatively with the use descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and inferential statistics such as multiple regression analysis. This was achieved by using SPSS version 26. The living condition in the camp is characterized by depression, stress and helplessness. The conditions in refugee camps trigger memories of traumatic events, therefore, causing suicide ideation. Many refugees were found to have experienced traumatic events such as violence these experiences can trigger suicidal thoughts µ = 4.5 > 3. The resultant regression coefficient was 𠛃1 = 0.754, p-value = 0.003