Ethnic differences in posttraumatic stress disorder after musculoskeletal trauma.
BACKGROUND
Psychological distress is known to contribute to poor outcomes in orthopedic patients. Limited information exists concerning ethnic differences in psychological sequelae after musculoskeletal injury. This study examined ethnic variations in prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after musculoskeletal trauma.


METHODS
A secondary analysis was conducted using data collected for a study examining PTSD after musculoskeletal trauma. Two hundred eleven consecutive patients with musculoskeletal injuries were enrolled. Psychological status was assessed using the Revised Civilian Mississippi Scale for PTSD. A chart review was completed to gather demographic and injury information. Independent samples t tests, Fisher's exact, Chi-square, and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess differences.


RESULTS
Ninety-six (45.5%) Hispanic and 115 (54.5%) non-Hispanic White adults participated. Few significant demographic or health differences were found. No significant differences were found regarding injury characteristics. Fisher's exact tests indicated a higher prevalence of PTSD symptomatology among Hispanics than non-Hispanic Whites (p < 0.01). Additionally, U.S. born Hispanics were more likely than non-U.S. born Hispanics to have PTSD symptomatology (p = 0.004). Odds ratios indicated that women (OR = 2.2), persons with a psychiatric comorbidity (OR = 5.1), Hispanics (OR = 6.6), and persons born in the United States (OR = 3.7) had an increased likelihood of PTSD symptomatology.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate an ethnic difference in prevalence of PTSD symptomatology after musculoskeletal injury. Hispanic participants were nearly seven times more likely to be positive for PTSD symptomatology. Furthermore, U.S. born Hispanic participants had a higher prevalence of PTSD symptomatology. Future research should explore factors contributing to these differences.
Williams
Allison E
AE
Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Denver, Colorado, USA. allison.williams3@va.gov
Smith
Wade R
WR
Starr
Adam J
AJ
Webster
Denise C
DC
Martinez
Ruby J
RJ
Vojir
Carol P
CP
Sakalys
Jurate A
JA
Morgan
Steven J
SJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000293:injuries*; D011287:Prejudice; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D014754:Violence; D044465:White People; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult