PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF KIDNAPPING ACTIVITIES AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IN CHIKUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE- NIGERIA

Purpose: The study examined public perception of kidnapping activities and posttraumatic stress disorder in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State- Nigeria.Methodology: Survey research design was adopted with convenient sampling technique. Two hundred and thirty- two (232) participated in the study both male and female. Posttraumatic Stress Scale (PSS -1) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PQH-9) were used to collect data, PTSD Symptoms Scale (PSS -1). The data were further analyzed using inferential statistics for the test of Hypotheses. Chi-Square, One-Way ANOVA and Independent Sample-t-test were used. Hypothesis one tested the significant relationship between kidnapping and posttraumatic stress disorder in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.Findings: Further analysis revealed a no significant difference in the perceived association of news of kidnapping and PTSD in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State, X2(4) = 1.719, P > 0.05. In other words, the hypothesis was not accepted in this study. Hypothesis two tested a significant difference in age and posttraumatic stress disorders in Chikun LGA. The results revealed that, there is no statistically significant difference; F(3, 228) = 0.619, P > 0.05. Therefore, the hypothesis was not accepted in the study.Recommendation: Even though residents are aware of such activities of kidnapping, the level of PTSD experienced by them has been relatively mild. Family and community ties and togetherness should be strengthened since it promotes resilience which in turn act as a buffer or immunity against developing PTSD.