Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Somali University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Exposure to traumatic events is a significant risk factor for psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress. In conflict-affected countries such as Somalia, university students may be particularly vulnerable to trauma exposure and its mental health consequences. However, limited empirical research has examined this relationship among Somali university students. Aim: This study investigated the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and mental health problems among Somali undergraduate university students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed with a sample of 250 students aged 18–25 years, selected through stratified random sampling based on gender and university year. Data were collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis, t-tests, and ANOVA were conducted using SPSS. Results: The findings revealed significant positive correlations between trauma exposure and depression (r = .510), anxiety (r = .549), and stress (r = .457). Regression analyses demonstrated that trauma significantly predicted depression (β = .510, p < .001), anxiety (β = .549, p < .001), and stress (β = .457, p < .001). No significant gender differences were observed in depression, anxiety, stress, or trauma levels. However, stress levels differed significantly across age groups and university years, with younger students and first-year students reporting higher stress levels. Conclusion: The study highlights the strong association between trauma exposure and psychological distress among Somali university students and underscores the need for targeted mental health interventions in academic settings.