External deployment as a risk factor to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in military personnel

<p dir="ltr">A quantitative descriptive study using validated self PTSD Checklist for DSM V (PCL-5) with life events checklist for DSM-V (LEC-5) and Criterion A and Combat Exposure Scale (CES) self-administered questionnaires to collect data from military personnel who have been in combat zones and peace support operations in Africa. Collected data included demographic characteristics of research participants, the severity of combat exposure, screening for PTSD using the PCL-5 and general help-seeking behaviour. The participant response rate was 96.3%. Collected data was analysed using SPSS version 29 whereby quantitative variables were summarised as frequencies and percentages. Chi square test was used to evaluate associations between variables and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The study findings revealed a 5.8% prevalence of PTSD.</p>