[Prevalence and predictors of acute stress disorder after earthquake: findings from Wenchuan earthquake in China].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence and predictors of acute stress disorder (ASD) in the victims affected by Wenchuan earthquake in China.


METHODS
A random clustered sampling method was used. Of 891 victims enrolled in the study, 874 were completely assessed with the ASD constructive questionnaire and diagnosed with DSM-IV criteria. Sociodemographic variables were obtained. Also, the major symptoms of ASD (i.e., general symptoms to a traumatic event; dissociative symptoms; re-experiencing symptoms; hyper-arousal symptoms; avoidance symptoms) were recorded.


RESULTS
The incidence rate of ASD was 12.59% (110/874). The incidence rates of ASD for female and male were 15.16% (72/475) and 9.52% (38/399) respectively. There was a significant difference between female and male on the incidence rate of ASD (chi(2) = 6.26, P = 0.01). Logistic regression indicated that the ASD diagnosis was predicted by gender (beta = 0.58, P = 0.01, OR = 1.79), the condition of casualties of family members (beta = 0.60, P = 0.01, OR = 1.82), and the condition of sharp properties loss (beta = 1.02, P = 0.01, OR = 2.76).


CONCLUSIONS
The major earthquake should have great influence on mental health of victims. The efforts to reduce casualties and property loss might help to prevent ASD. Further research is needed on gender difference among traumatic events.
Zhao
Guo-qiu
GQ
Department of Mental Health, Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310006, China.
Wang
Yong-guang
YG
Wang
Yi-qiang
YQ
Fu
Su-Fen
SF
Cao
Ri-fang
RF
Ma
Ning-xiang
NX
Liang
Sheng-lin
SL
Luo
Jian-zhong
JZ
Cheng
Yan-hua
YH
Li
Mei-yuan
MY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002681:China; D004190:Disasters; D055866:Earthquakes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D040701:Stress Disorders, Traumatic, Acute / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires