Author(s) :

HAJARA Abubakar Isa.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This paper titled "Military spouses and the Challenge of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in 1 Division of Nigerian Army Kaduna State: 2013-2023," investigates the diverse experiences of military wives grappling with their partners' Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study addresses a significant gap in research concerning the struggles of military spouses in the Nigerian context. It examines the relationship between military wives and PTSD, identifies prevalent factors contributing to PTSD diagnoses among Nigerian Army personnel of 1 Division Kaduna State from 2013 to 2023, ascertains the roles wives play in managing the condition, and explores the challenges they face. Ultimately, it aims to develop strategies for addressing PTSD and other identified challenges among military spouses. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilized both descriptive statistics from survey questionnaire and medical records, and thematic analysis of qualitative data from in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions. Data collection involved distributing 392 questionnaires, with 327 used for analysis, and conducting 15 Key Informant Interviews and 5 sessions of Focus Group Discussions with 10 participants in various locations within the 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna jurisdictions, and with the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) in Abuja. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation, were prioritized. The findings reveal that military wives are profoundly affected by their spouses' PTSD, experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, and a reduced quality of life. These women often serve as primary caregivers but receive little to no institutional support, leading to silent suffering. The study highlights a significant lack of structured mental health support within the Nigerian military system for families. Coping mechanisms are largely informal, offering temporary relief but failing to address core psychological needs. The thesis concludes that military wives are indispensable yet unacknowledged frontline emotional caregivers. It underscores the urgent need for the Nigerian military to implement structured, culturally-sensitive programs that recognize and support the critical role of spouses, equipping them with necessary tools to navigate the complexities of living with a partner with PTSD, and ultimately improving mental health outcomes and marital resilience within military communities.

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