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THE PREVALENCE AND FACTORS INFLUENCING POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDERS ( PTSD ) AMONG HELP-SEEKING WOMEN EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN MALAYSIA

Objective: The aim of the study is to examine the prevalence and factors influencing PTSD among a sample of help-seeking women experiencing domestic violence. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study of 40 women in two shelters in Malaysia from 2007 to 2008. Measures include the Detailed Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress; the Measure of Wife Abuse; the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory; the Coping Scale for Adults; and the Provision of Social Relations. Results: Results showed that 60% of subjects exhibited patterns of symptoms consistent with the diagnosis of PTSD. The most prominent posttraumatic symptoms reported were re-experience, avoidance, dissociative responses, and symptoms of increased arousal. Both negative appraisals about themselves and self blame for the abusive situations were positively associated with increased tendency to develop PTSD. The greater use of optimism coping style and the higher quality social support appeared to lead to a significantly reduced tendency of developing PTSD. Negative appraisals about themselves were found to be the strongest positive predictor of PTSD [R2 = 0.32, F(1,38)=17.67, p<0.001]. However, type of intensity of abuse did not indicate any significant relationship with PTSD. The findings highlighted the need for service providers to screen and educate survivors of domestic violence with respect to PTSD. The study also emphasized the importance of negative appraisals as a factor that contribute to the maintenance or persistence of PTSD. Conclusion: The current findings suggest that service providers should continue to assist the survivors in developing positive coping skills and improve their social support networks. Cognitive-behavioural treatment approaches seem to be particularly relevant for the cognitive distortions commonly presence in survivors of domestic violence. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol.11(2): July – December 2010: XX