Predictors of posttraumatic outcomes following the 1999 Taiwan earthquake.
This cross-sectional study examined 10-month outcomes in survivors after the 1999 earthquake in Taiwan. Two hundred fifty-two randomly selected subjects were interviewed to assess the following: categorical assignment to full or partial posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD/PTSS), symptoms of PTSD, and general psychiatric morbidity. Using regression models, the following potential independent predictor variables were evaluated: age, gender, earthquake exposure, previous trauma, current depression, and general well-being. Variables predictive of PTSD/PTSS included female gender and current depression. Current depression and impaired well-being were predicted by greater PTSD severity. Greater psychiatric morbidity was predicted by female gender, current depression, number of traumatic experiences, and impaired well-being. These variables, particularly female gender, current depression, and impaired well-being, should be considered in assessing earthquake survivors who are at increased risk for developing posttraumatic sequelae.
Chang
Chia-Ming
CM
Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Chien Kuo N. Road, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
Connor
Kathryn M
KM
Lai
Te-Jen
TJ
Lee
Li-Ching
LC
Davidson
Jonathan R T
JR
D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D004190:Disasters / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology