Relation of length of stay and other hospital variables to posttraumatic stress disorder and depression after orthopedic trauma

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are common following orthopedic trauma. This study examined the relationship between injury- and hospital-related variables and PTSD and depression at baseline and 12 months after orthopedic trauma. This longitudinal, prospective cohort study examined adult orthopedic trauma patients admitted ≥24 hours to a level I trauma center. Non-English/Spanish-speaking and cognitively impaired patients were excluded. The Primary Care PTSD screen and PTSD Checklist-Civilian version assessed PTSD, and the Patient Health Questionnaire 8-Item assessed depression. Demographic and hospital-related variables were examined (e.g., hospital length of stay, Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale). For 160 participants, PTSD prevalence was 23% at baseline and 21% at 12 months. Depression prevalence was 28% at baseline and 29% at 12 months. Ventilation (P = 0.023, P = 0.006) and prolonged length of stay (P = 0.008, P = 0.003) were correlated with baseline PTSD and depression. Injury etiology (P = 0.008) and Injury Severity Score (P = 0.013) were associated with baseline PTSD. Intensive care unit admission (P = 0.016, P = 0.043) was also correlated with PTSD at baseline and 12 months. Ventilation (P = 0.002, P = 0.040) and prolonged length of stay (P < 0.001, P = 0.001) were correlated with 12-month PTSD and depression. Early and continued screenings with potential interventions could benefit patients’ physical and mental rehabilitation after orthopedic injury.