Epidemio-Clinical Profile of Psychotrauma in Military Victims of Terrorists Attacks in Benin in December 2021

Introduction: In December 2021, Beninese soldiers were victims of armed terrorist attacks. This study aims to determine the psychological impact of the events experienced on the victims in order to better prevent post-traumatic stress disorder. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from December 13 to 14, 2021, i.e. 12 days after the oldest event and 4 days after the most recent. The experience of the event was assessed with the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory and the Peritraumatic Dissociation Experiences Questionnaire. Symptoms experienced in the hours and days after the event were assessed with the Revised Event Impact Scale. Results: 36 soldiers were included out of the 38 survivors, i.e. 94.73%. They were 51.43% victims of the night assault, 37.14% of the ambush on patrol and 11.43% of the explosion of vehicle on mine, all male. The average age was 31 years with extremes of 25 and 49 years. The 25 - 30 year olds predominated, 52.78%. 100% of soldiers had significant peritraumatic dissociation, of which 94.44% also had significant peritraumatic distress. 100% of the soldiers had manifestations of intrusion, 89% of manifestations of avoidance and 83% of manifestations of hyperexcitation. 88.89% had an index for acute stress including 100% of victims of night assault and vehicle explosion on mine. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of peritraumatic reactions, recognized factors favoring post-traumatic stress disorder, and the interest of their evaluation for medical and psychological help adapted to the victims.

Evaluation of Suicidal Risk in Sickle Cell Patients Monitored at the Hubert Koutoukou Maga National University Hospital Center in Cotonou in 2022

Introduction: According to the WHO, suicide is a real public health problem worldwide, and several risk factors have been identified, including pain and chronic illness. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the suicidal risk in sickle-cell patients. Method: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of sickle-cell patients followed up at the University Clinic of Blood Diseases of Hubert Koutoukou Maga National University Hospital Center from August 2022 to November 2022. The instrument used was the Ducher suicide risk self-assessment scale. Results: A total of 65 patients were included. Mean age was 27.04 ± 1.95 years, with extremes of 16 and 50 years, and a peak of 47.69% in the 20 - 30 age group. Women predominated (58.46%), with a sex ratio of 0.71. Somatic complaints accounted for 41.54% of patients’ visits, including 21.54% for pain. Suicidal risk was positive in 44.62%, including 13.85% for severe suicidal risk, and 20% attributed their desire to die to pain. The factor associated with positive suicidal risk was single parenthood (p = 0.02). Of those with a positive suicidal risk, 46% had shared the intention with close relatives (family and friends), but none had used medical services. Conclusion: These data demonstrate the high prevalence of suicidal risk among people with sickle cell disease, and therefore the need for psychosocial intervention in this specific population in Benin.