Posttraumatic stress in Nepalese and Spanish children: A comparative study

Abstract

Frequent and repeated exposure to potentially traumatic events in Nepal is the starting point for the associated symptomatology evaluation in Nepalese children, especially among those in care. Reviewing the prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the tutelage condition, and establishing comparisons with Spain as an occidental population, would allow delimiting family and socio-cultural implications in child and youth trauma, assessing the sensitization convenience for diagnostic criteria in this age range. With a sample of 88 participants between 11 and 14 years old, we used the Child Posttraumatic Symptom Scale (CPSS), employing both DSM-5 general criteria and childhood adapted alternative criteria. Our results showed higher PTSD prevalence in the Nepalese general population (46.7%) compared with the sample of children in care (11.1%), being significantly reduced in Spanish minors (6.1%), following DSM-5 general criteria. When using alternative criteria, we observed an increase in prevalence rates, reaching 73.3%, 22.2% and 14.3%, respectively. These data enabled us to consider the protection factors at the assessed orphanage compared to the Nepalese general population family environment, and appreciate the socio-cultural variables between countries, supporting at each comparison the alternative criteria highest sensitivity in children and adolescent PTSD diagnosis.