INTRODUCTION: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health concern, particularly among the survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi who were left with deep psychological and physical scars. This study aimed to explore perceptions regarding factors associated with the evolution of PTSD, focusing on the role of psychological support, socio-economic assistance, access to education, and healthcare.
METHODS: A mixed-methods research study was conducted, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study was conducted in Kigali, Rwanda, on 20 survivors of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi aged 25-65 years who were beneficiaries of psychological support services and 10 mental health professionals from the Association of Genocide Widows Agahozo (AVEGA).
RESULTS: All respondents (100%) reported experiencing trauma-related symptoms, with commemoration events (40%), poverty (35%), and lack of social support (25%) identified as primary triggers. Psychological support combined with social assistance was the most effective intervention (60%), followed by access to education and healthcare (25%). Psychological support alone was less effective (20%). Survivors emphasized the importance of multidimensional interventions, including income-generating activities (IGA) and social assistance, in their recovery. Mental health professionals highlighted the challenges of treatment adherence and the need for holistic approaches addressing both psychological and socio-economic needs.
CONCLUSION: The study highlights the intricate link between psychological, social, and economic factors in the development of PTSD in genocide survivors, suggesting that multidimensional interventions, community-based support, economic stability, and social networks are more effective, and targed strategies should be reinforced to ease the PTSD burden among survivors of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.
