The Prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Associated Factors among Staff in a Tertiary Hospital (Medical City) during COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis in Makkah, K.S.A., 2020

Abstract

Background: Living a pandemic disaster is associated with mental health consequences including post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). The primary objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of PTSD among tertiary hospital staff working in King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) in Saudi Arabia and the secondary objective is to determine the factors associated with the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design were used through an electronic survey questionnaire that sent to all KAMC staff who are working during early COVID-19 from June 2020 till June 2021. 118 from 235 were responded and included in the study. The Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS-5) was used. It is a reliable and valid tool in measuring the PTSD symptoms and severity. Results: The prevalence of PTSD among KAMC staff were found 50.2 % (Moderate 35.6%, Moderate to severe 38.1%, and Severe 26.3%). The gender found near significant P value in the avoidance domain and Arousal and reactivity domain (0.066), (0.073) respectively. In regards to nationality, the Arousal and reactivity domain showed a significant P value (0.03) among Saudi and non-Saudi while the other domain showed no significant value. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of the psychological stress and traumatic events in staff working during a disaster such as COVID-19 pandemics and the results should be taken in consideration to focus on the importance of mental health condition of working staff in a tertiary hospital.