Cultural Categorisation of PTSD Symptomatologies, the Meaning of Symptoms, and Healing Practice in Kanuri Community of Damaturu, Nigeria

The study explores the cultural categorization of PTSD symptoms, the meaning of the lived PTSD experience and healing practices in the Kanuri community of Damaturu Yobe State Nigeria. The study sample consisted of 32 participants (aged 30 to 60 years) who were purposively selected from the Kanuri community. Data was collected through in-depth interviews (N=20) and focus group discussions (N=12) in two groups, each comprising six participants. A qualitative data-driven thematic analysis technique was used to analyze data. The data analysis generated one broad theme; the cultural interpretation of PTSD experiences in Kanuri culture. This theme generated three subthemes—Cultural Categorisation of PTSD symptomatologies, the Meaning of PTSD symptoms, and PTSD healing practices. The most popular belief among the Kanuri people is that only traditional healers and messages from religious scriptures can completely heal an illness or disease; that hospitals only treat symptoms but do nothing to cure the illness. The Kanuri people also believe that religion is central in describing cultural and social behaviors and norms, particularly regarding illness beliefs. The social bonds in Kanuri culture explain their resilience and coping strategy that aids them to escape the consequences of the lived PTSD experiences. Similarly, the individual’s understanding of the PTSD experiences and any symptom they experience is also informed by culture and contributes to the impact of these experiences on the individual level of functioning. Therefore, the implication of our findings demonstrates the need for mental health care providers, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to consider integrating cultural/traditional and spiritual beliefs and/or practices with the western approaches to treating PTSD.