Exposure to Natural Disaster and Polytrauma Among Somali Youth in Urban Kenya

Abstract The protracted complex emergencies in Somalia, exacerbated by natural disasters and civil conflicts, have precipitated a humanitarian crisis with profound implications for displacement and mental health, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable Somalis. This study investigates the specific impacts of exposure to natural disasters and polytrauma on the social functioning of Somali youth in urban Kenya. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 336 Somali youth in Eastleigh, Nairobi, utilizing snowball sampling. The survey measured demographics, trauma exposure, psychosocial factors, and social functioning, with advanced statistical analysis identifying significant predictors. The results underscore the profound effects of natural disaster exposure on social functioning within the context of polytrauma. Findings also emphasize gender, documentation status, help-seeking behaviors, and substance use as significant factors shaping social functioning. The analysis emphasizes the complex interplay between socio-environmental factors and trauma exposure, advocating for holistic interventions tailored to the unique challenges of complex emergencies. Additionally, findings suggest incorporating strategies to enhance resilience, social support, and coping mechanisms for populations experiencing hostile socio-legal environments.