Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Irregular Migrants Back to Ziguinchor (Senegal): Prevalence and Associated Factors

<i>Introduction: </i>The migration of the Senegalese to the Eldorado has continued to increase since 2006. It has become massive and clandestine, and candidates do not hesitate to use illegal and dangerous ways and means, thus exposing their lives and engaging their physical and psychological integrity. <i>Objectives: </i>Determine the prevalence of PTSD in migrants and identify the factors associated with its occurrence. <i>Methodology: </i>A descriptive and analytical transversal study on migrants had been carried out in Ziguinchor over the period from January 1 to July 31, 2024. The collection of data was done on the basis of the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) evaluation scale and a pre-established questionnaire. The entry was made on Excel spreadsheet and statistical analysis with the STATA 18 software. <i>Results: </i>A total of 41 migrants had been surveyed. The study population was made up of men (92.7%). The average age was 36.9 years ± 9.3. Migrants had attended school (70.7%) and had professional activity before departure (92.7%). They were craftsmen (39.0%) and single without children (46.3%). Motivation to emigration was linked to financial difficulties (85.4%). Italy was the chosen destination 58.5%. The privileged travel route was terrestrial (70.7%). Thirty-five migrants had encountered difficulties during the trip. The return to the country was against their will (63.4%). The prevalence of the PTSD was 31.7%. Its occurrence was favored by borrowing the land route, by the difficulties linked to food and extortion. Literacy was a protective factor. The PTSD impacted on social reintegration but had no impact on professional reintegration and the desire to return. <i>Conclusion: </i>The study has shown a fairly high frequency of PTSD in migrants related to traumatic events experienced during the trip. It is therefore necessary to assess all the migrants on the health level and to ensure them a medico-psychosocial care.