Research leader Lukoye Atwoli, associate UCT Professor and Dean of the School of Medicine at Moi University, said, "My research... for the first time, demonstrates a link between trauma exposure and physical health in an African context. I hope my findings will be used in designing interventions for trauma survivors..."
The research found the most common trauma causing events were related to the unexpected death of a loved one and witnessing a traumatic event occurring to someone else. Based on the study, Atwoli recommended that interventions for trauma survivors should include witnesses of traumatic events.
Data from the SASH survey, used in the UCT study, showed that among South Africans:
Pharmacist, and Integrative medicines expert, Felicia Rubin, says South Africans experience high rates of trauma and anxiety and noted that a 2013 study ranked SA second most stressed among 74 countries. Rubin advises trauma sufferers or those with anxiety should consult a medical professional or mental health expert immediately.
She also advises a healthy lifestyle to avoid or address anxiety and recommends the following: