Posttraumatic symptoms were worst among quake victims with injuries following the Chi-chi quake in Taiwan.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychological health status among earthquake victims 1 year after the quake.


METHODS
Two hundred and seventy-two quake victims from temporary housing units were interviewed. Posttraumatic symptoms was assessed using the Davidson Trauma Scale, Chinese version (DTS-C). Psychological health status was measured using the Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ).


RESULTS
The percentage of posttraumatic symptoms was 16.5%. Fifty-seven percent of the victims were found to have psychological problems using the CHQ. Posttraumatic symptoms and psychological problems were more prevalent among women (22.2% and 64%), compared with men (9.2% and 47.9%). Posttraumatic symptoms and CHQ total scores were highest among 25- to 44-year-olds, and lowest in the over-60-year group. Based on linear and logistic regression models, age and injury were the only two factors that significantly affected posttraumatic symptoms and CHQ total scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Consistent with the previous studies, it is vitally important to continue providing psychological counseling and social support for quake victims, particularly victims who sustained an injury.
Kuo
Hsien Wen
HW
Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taiwan, ROC. wukuo@mail.cmu.edu.tw
Wu
Shu Jen
SJ
Ma
Tso Ching
TC
Chiu
Ming-Chu
MC
Chou
Sze-Yuan
SY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001601:Bereavement; D004190:Disasters; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D013624:Taiwan; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000523:psychology*