Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among UPDF Combatants in Operational Areas in Uganda: Direct and Indirect effect of social support variables and Pre-existing Mental Health Condition

Abstract

This study examined the direct and indirect effects of social support and pre-existing mental health conditions on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) combatants deployed in operational areas. This study adopted a correlational design with 214 combatants, assessing PTSD symptoms, family support, organisational support, and pre-existing mental health conditions. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were conducted using Jamovi and R, while Path Analysis in R was applied to test hypothesized relationships. Path analysis results indicated that pre-existing mental health conditions had a strong direct effect on PTSD (β = .63, p < .01). Organisational support showed a modest direct protective effect on PTSD (β = –.23, p < .05). Family support did not significantly predict PTSD, nor were there significant indirect effects of social support through pre-existing mental health. Model fit indices suggested an acceptable fit of the hypothesized model, supporting the direct influence of pre-existing mental health and organisational support on PTSD. These findings underscore pre-existing mental health as a key predictor of PTSD among UPDF combatants and highlight the protective role of organisational support during deployment. The study suggests that the UPDF should prioritize pre-deployment mental health screening, strengthen institutional support systems, and implement resilience-building programs tailored to operational conditions. Although family support did not show significant effects during deployment, structured communication with families may facilitate post-deployment adjustment.