Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder among health care workers in earthquake-affected areas in southwest China.
The symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and associated risk factors were investigated among health care workers in earthquake-affected areas in southwest China. 343 health care workers completed the Chinese version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised 3 mo. after the Wenchuan Earthquake. The prevalence of probable PTSD was 19%. The significant risk factors identified for PTSD severity included being female, being bereaved, being injured, and higher intensity of initial fear. These findings suggest that PTSD is a common mental health problem among health care workers in earthquake-affected areas. The present information can be useful in directing, strengthening, and evaluating disaster-related mental health needs and interventions after an earthquake.
Wang
Li
L
Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Zhang
Jianxin
J
Zhou
Mingjie
M
Shi
Zhanbiao
Z
Liu
Ping
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001601:Bereavement; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D004190:Disasters; D055866:Earthquakes; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult