Risk Factors for Long-Term Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Medical Rescue Workers Appointed to the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake Response in China Open Access
Schenk, Ellen Jean (2011)
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological
consequence experienced by many disaster survivors. Risk factors
for PTSD among this population have been extensively documented.
Most recently, studies have acknowledged the psychological impact
disasters also have on responders. Common consequences for this
population also include PTSD but few studies have examined the risk
factors associated with PTSD in this population. This study aims to
determine the prevalence of as well as risk factors for PTSD among
Chinese medical rescue workers one year after their response to the
2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China.
A sample of 337 medical rescue workers who had performed response
work within the first three months after the earthquake completed a
website questionnaire 14- 17 months after their response work. The
questionnaire included questions on rescue
work experience, pressure management strategies, general health,
the impact of the events, coping style, personality traits and
demographic factors. Presence of PTSD was determined by a score
greater than 33 on the Impact of Event Revised-Scale.
Seventeen percent (95% CI: 13%-21%) of the responders tested
positive for clinical PTSD after an average of 14 months. Similar
to the survivors of disasters, responders' PTSD is associated with
getting injured or sick and a lack of social support. The
multivariate regression showed that neurotic personality, passive
coping style, communication with relief headquarters, and having
been injured while performing response work were significantly
associated with PTSD.
Future research should further examine the relationship between
these variables and PTSD and identify preventive measures that
could mitigate their impact. For example, additional logistical
measures could ensure that the rescue workers have regular contact
with headquarters during the response. Similarly, the number of
injuries might be reduced with safety training and
equipment.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements 6
Chapter 1 9
Introduction and Rationale 9
Problem Statement 11
Purpose Statement 11
Research Hypothesis 11
Significance Statement 12
Chapter 2 14
Literature Review 14
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for PTSD among Earthquake Survivors 14
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for PTSD among Earthquake Rescue Workers 15
Risk Factors for PTSD among Different Types of Earthquake Response Workers 17
Time since Response Work and Risk Factors for PTSD 17
Mental Health Implications of the Wenchuan Earthquake in China 18
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for PTSD among Survivors 18
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for PTSD among Rescue Workers 19
Summary of Current Problem and Study Relevance 19
Chapter 3 21
Student Contributions: 22
Abstract 23
Introduction 24
Methods 25
Participants 25
Instrument 26
Rescue work experience 26
Pressure management strategies 26
PTSD assessment 26
Coping style 27
Personality trait 27
Statistical Analysis 27
Results 28
Discussion 29
Acknowledgements 33
References 34
Appendix of Tables 39
Chapter 4 43
Discussion 43
Limitations 46
Conclusion and Future Directions for Public Health 47
References 49
Letter of Exemption from Emory IRB Review 58
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