Abstract

MMEREKI, Bonolo; MOKWENA, Kebogile  and  MOKGATLE, Mathildah M.. Sociodemographic outcomes of childhood trauma experiences among young adults in the rural community of South Africa. Health SA Gesondheid (Online) [online]. 2026, vol.31, pp.1-8. ISSN 2071-9736.  https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3271.

BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma is a moving target, as its negative effects extend beyond the immediate mental health of individuals and continue to affect the victim years after it has occurred. AIM: The study aimed to determine the sociodemographic determinants of childhood traumatic events among young adults in the rural community. SETTING: The study was conducted in South Africa. METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used to gather data among a sample of 380 participants in the rural community of the North West province. Data were collected using four sets of questionnaires to screen demographic determinants, childhood traumatic events and symptoms of depression and anxiety in the rural community of the North West. RESULTS: With the probability set at p < 0.20, the findings showed that sociodemographic outcomes associated with childhood traumatic events are level of education, employment status, planning children, residence within the rural community, substance use, religious beliefs and depressive and anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study confirm that sociodemographic determinants are important factors in understanding the impact of childhood traumatic events. CONTRIBUTION: This insight highlights the need for screening of childhood traumatic events. Depressive and anxiety symptoms should be prioritised in health facilities in South Africa.

Keywords : sociodemographic outcomes; childhood trauma; childhood traumatic events; mental health; childhood trauma questionnaire; Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9; depression symptoms; anxiety symptoms.

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