Differences in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms between elderly non-Hispanic Whites and African Americans.
This study was a secondary analysis of two similar data sets to examine potential differences in PTSD symptoms between elderly whites and African Americans (n=90). Without regard to trauma type, there were no differences between the races in the distribution of PTSD diagnosis or specific symptom constellations (e.g., re-experiencing, avoidance, or arousal). No significant differences were yielded for individuals who experienced a physical trauma. However, in cases of nonphysical trauma, elderly whites were significantly more likely than elderly African Americans to report hyperarousal symptoms. These results suggest the need to better understand coping strategies used by whites and African Americans in the face of trauma.
Mainous
Arch G
AG
Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Family Medicine, 295 Calhoun St., P.O. Box 20192, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. mainouag@musc.edu
Smith
Daniel W
DW
Acierno
Ron
R
Geesey
Mark E
ME
D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011336:Probability; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*