Investigation by comparison on the posttraumatic stress response among SARS patients, hospital staffs and the public exposed to SARS

Abstract

Objective This paper focuses on the investigation of the occurrence and influential factors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)in SARS patients, hospital staffs and the public expo sed to SARS. Methodes Three groups were assessed by scale of self-compiled stressor Questionnaire, impact of event scale-revised (IES-R) , PSSS, SCSQ, SES and EPQ. Results 1. The incidence of PTSD symptoms in the three groups were 55.1% ,25.8 % and 31.18 %. 2. The main cause of the different incidence was the difference of the stressor intensity and characters. Negative coping was the risk factor of SARS patients and the public; Self-esteem was the protected factor of SARS patients and the hospital staffs; Social support was a protected factor on the hospital staffs. 3. Comparing to the first investigate in September,2003 ,the data of follow-up study in September,2004 showed that the prevalence items significant decreased. Conclusions 1. The investigation concludes that all three groups of people exposed o SARS exhibit PTSD symptom. SARS patients have the highest occurrence ( P ＜ 0.01 ). 2. The main influencing factors of different incidence of PTSD in different groups are intensities and characteristics of stressors. Different people who had PTSD symptoms have different influencing factors. 3. With the change of time , the PTSD symptoms significant relieve with the attenuation gradually of exposure degree of stressor. Key words: Severe acute respiratory syndrome; Stress disorder; Post-traumatic