Higher Levels Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research Articles

Risk and prediction of job burnout in responding nurses to public health emergencies

BackgroundIn public health emergencies, nurses are vulnerable to adverse reactions, especially job burnout. It is critical to identify nurses at risk of burnout early and implement interventions as early as possible.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of the hospitals in Xiangyang City was conducted in January, 2023 using stratified cluster sampling. Anonymized data were collected from 1584 working nurses. The Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) were used to evaluate the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and burnout of nurses in public health emergencies. Logistic regression analysis was established to screen for risk factors of burnout, and a nomogram was developed to predict the risk of burnout. A calibration curve and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to validate the nomogram internally.ResultsThis study showed that only 3.7% of nurses were completely free of PTSD during a public health emergency. We found that PTSD varied by age, marital status, procreation status, length of service, employee status, and whether working in the ICU. The nurses aged 30 ~ 40 years old, single, married without children, non-regular employees, worked for less than three years or worked in the ICU had higher levels of PTSD. Regarding the prevalence of burnout, 27.4%, 48.5%, and 18.6% of nurses had a high level of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and diminished personal accomplishment (PA), respectively. There, 31.1% of nurses had more than two types of job burnout. The number of night shifts, the type of hospital, marital status, and the severity of PTSD were all associated with higher rates of exhaustion among nurses. As a graphical representation of the model, a nomogram was created and demonstrated excellent calibration and discrimination in both sets (AUC = 0.787).ConclusionsThis study confirmed the PTSD and burnout are common problems for in-service nurses during public health emergencies and screened out the high-risk groups of job burnout. It is necessary to pay more attention nurses who are single and working in general hospitals with many night shifts, especially nurses with severe PTSD. Hospitals can set up nurses’ personal health records to give timely warnings to nurses with health problems, and carry out support interventions to relieve occupational stress.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, food insecurity, and social capital after the 2017 coastal El Niño flooding among mothers from Piura, Peru: A mixed method study.

In order to understand the impacts in the post-disaster scenario of the 2017 El Niño events in the Piura region-Peru, we examined post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), food insecurity (FI), and social capital (SC) across three-time points in mothers in highly affected areas. In the Piura, Castilla, and Catacaos districts, we studied mothers combining mixed-method assessments at three (June-July 2017), eight and 12 months after the flooding. Each outcome was measured with the PTSD-Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C), the Household-Food-Insecurity-Access-Scale (HFIAS), the Adapted-Social-Capital-Assessment-Tool (SASCAT) surveys. In-depth interviews at the first evaluation were also conducted. At the first evaluation, 38.1% (n = 21) of 179 mothers reported PTSD; eight months and one year after the flooding, it dropped to 1.9% and virtually zero, respectively. Severe FI also declined over time, from 90.0% three months after the flooding to 31.8% eight months after, to 13.1% one year after. Conversely, high-cognitive SC was increased three months after the flooding (42.1%) and much greater levels at eight and 12 months after (86.7% and 77.7%, respectively). High levels of PTSD and severe FI three months after the flooding consistently decreased to nearly zero one-year post-disaster. High levels of high-cognitive SC may have helped mothers to recover from PTSD and FI in Piura.

Prevalence of stress, anxiety, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder among Ukrainians after the first year of Russian invasion: a nationwide cross-sectional study

In February 2022 the Russian federation started a new invasion of Ukraine as an escalation of the ongoing war since 2014. After nine years of war and the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health state of Ukrainians requires systematic monitoring and relevant action. The aim of present study was to investigate the state of mental health among Ukrainians assessing the levels of stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence in not displaced persons (NDPs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), and refugees abroad. This study was designed as an online survey arranged in the 9-12 months after the start of the new invasion of Ukraine and includes sociodemographic data collection, evaluation of stress intensity by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), anxiety with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder with PTSD Check List (PCL-5). The sample size of 3173 Ukrainians consisted of 1954 (61.6%) respondents that were not displaced persons (NDPs), 505 (15.9%) internally displaced persons within Ukraine (IDPs), and 714 (22.5%) refugees that left Ukraine. Moderate and high stress was prevalent among 68.2% (1333/1954) and 15.5% (302/1954) of NDPs, 64.4% (325/505) and 21.6% (109/505) of IDPs, and 64.7% (462/714) and 25.2% (180/714) of refugees, respectively. Moderate and severe anxiety was prevalent among 25.6% (500/1954) and 19.0% (371/1954) of NDPs, 25.7% (130/505) and 23.4% (118/505) of IDPs, and 26.2% (187/714) and 25.8% (184/714) of refugees. High levels of PTSD (33 and higher) were prevalent among 32.9% (642/1954) of NDPs, 39.4% (199/1954) of IDPs, and 47.2% (337/714) of refugees. DSM-V criteria for PTSD diagnosis was met by 50.8% (992/1954) of NDPs, 55.4% (280/505) of IDPs, and 62.2% (444/714) of refugees. Only 7.2% of the respondents reported no or mild stress, anxiety, and PTSD levels within the sample. The lowest stress, anxiety, and PTSD severity was observed among NDPs, with significantly higher levels among IDPs and the highest among refugees. Being forcibly displaced from the previous living area and, especially, entering a new cultural environment significantly contributes to the mental health issues caused by war exposure and witnessing. Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

School Belongingness as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Self-Reported PTSD and Cyber Victimization: Sex Differences.

The incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Traumatized adolescents might cope with maladaptive strategies such as increased Internet usage, which might be a risk for cyber victimization. We investigated the relationship between self-reported PTSD and cyber victimization and the mediator role of school belongingness in this relationship. The sample consisted of 292 adolescents ages 11-14 years old (M = 12.53, SD = 0.71; nfemale = 165, 56.1%; nmale = 129, 43.9%). Results show that males are more likely to be cyber victims and have lower levels of school belongingness than females. In addition, results supported the association between higher levels of PTSD and higher levels of cyber victimization. Traumatized adolescents with high levels of school belongingness are less likely to be cyber victims. These findings highlight the importance of school-related personal and relational characteristics in promoting adolescent mental health.

The psychological toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental care providers in Iran: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

The COVID-19 pandemic affects social and psychological resources. Healthcare workers, especially dental personnel, are more at risk for mental issues due to anxiety, pressure, and frustration. This study assessed mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 epidemic among Iranian dental care providers, focusing on insomnia, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this multicenter cross-sectional survey, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Global Psychotrauma Screening were masured. Six hundred thirty-eight dental care providers (dental specialists, general dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental students) from different parts of Iran (Tehran, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Mashhad) were investigated by the stratified sampling method. The univariate analysis was incorporated as independent in binary logistic regression models to analyze the data. In this study, the significance level was set at 0.05. Among all the participants, 42.8% were dental students or residents, 21.9% were general or specialist dentists, 18.7% were dental assistants, and 16.6% were nonclinicians. The prevalence of insomnia, anxiety, and depression was 31.3%, 40.8%, and 54.9%, respectively. The frequency of participants in the low, moderate, and high levels of PTSD resulting from LCA 56.6%,33.7%,and 9.7%, respectively. This study found a significant frequency of mental health issues among Iranian dentists. Females, participants whose relatives have COVID-19, and those with a higher workload were more likely to develop mental health symptoms. As mental problems among dental professionals might affect the quality of patient care, diagnostic, supportive, and therapeutic interventions should be taken.

Sex differences in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder among cardiac arrest survivors

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors may impact their long-term recovery and quality of life. Gaining knowledge on sex differences in psychological consequences following cardiac arrest is important to explore strategies aiming to reduce these symptoms. Purpose To explore sex differences in anxiety, depression and PTSD levels after discharge among OHCA survivors hospitalized at a cardiovascular intensive care unit. Methods This was a prospective observational study in OHCA survivors that attended a follow-up after 4 months, (median, IQR 3-8). Presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression was measured using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), range 0-21. Scores between 8 to 10 suggest the possible presence of a mood disorder whereas scores of 11 and above indicate the probable presence of a mood disorder. Symptoms of PTSD were measured with PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), a 20-item self-report measure that assesses symptoms of PTSD, range 0-80. Results Between 2016 and 2021, 245 consecutive OHCA survivors admitted in coma (44 women, 18% and 201 men, 82%) completed the survey. Mean values measured on HADS were 2.7 ±3.2 for depression and 4.8±3.9 for anxiety. Depression and anxiety levels were significantly higher in women (3.3±3.4 and 6.1±3.8), respectively, compared to men (2.6±3.2 and 4.5± 3.9), respectively (p<0.0001 for both). Anxiety scores of 8 or more were observed in 43% of women, and 23% of men (p=0.007). Scores of 8 to 10 suggesting the possible presence of anxiety were found in 23% of women and 11% of men (p=0.007), whereas one out of five women scored ≥ 11 (20%) indicating probable anxiety disorder, while one in ten of men(12%), (p=0.02). Further, female sex was significantly associated with higher levels of PTSD (median for women: 33, IQR 24-54, and for men 26, IQR 22-35), (p=<0.0001). Finally, anxiety was significantly correlated to post-traumatic stress symptoms (correlation coefficient 0.81, p=<0.0001). Conclusion Symptoms of anxiety and PTSD are frequent in OHCA survivors and female cardiac arrest survivors report significantly higher symptom levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD compared to men. These results underline the presence of long-term symptoms in these patients and support further research in sex-specific approaches to alleviating these symptoms in patients surviving OHCA.

Resisting Fear: The Role of Problem-Solving Appraisals in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a global public health emergency and was associated with adverse mental health outcomes. Individual differences in response to traumatic stressors can be attributed to subjective cognitive appraisals. The current study investigated the role of problem-solving appraisals in the association between COVID-19-related fear and mental health outcomes. Participants were university students (N = 322). They completed a web-based survey comprising the Center for Epidemiological Studies depression scale, the fear of COVID-19 scale, the problem-solving inventory, the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist, and the satisfaction with life scale. Correlational analysis revealed that a heightened fear of COVID-19 was related to greater PTSD and depressive symptoms and a lower life satisfaction. Self-appraised ineffective problem-solving was associated with higher levels of PTSD and depression and a lower life satisfaction. Problem-solving appraisal moderated the relationship between fear of COVID-19, life satisfaction, PTSD, and depression, respectively. The findings suggest that problem-solving appraisals are a protective resource and have the potential to promote positive psychological functioning among young adults.

Investigating posttraumatic stress disorder among COVID-19 recovered patients: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundDuring the 21st century, pandemics have emerged frequently and become more challenging. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is among the most prominent examples. A considerable public health issue following the pandemic is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). COVID-19-recovered patients are highly susceptible to developing PTSD. Earlier epidemic studies showed a high prevalence of trauma-exposed people as a result of infectious diseases. This research aimed to quantify the estimated prevalence of PTSD and its contributing variables among COVID-19-recovered patients in Bangladesh. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional research carried out through an e-survey comprising 326 individuals (69.0% male; mean age = 37.97 ± 13.02 years; age range = 18–76 years) and conducted between September 2020 to January 2021. The online survey included a section for gathering participant's informed permission as well as sections on key demographics and way of life, and social supports during the suffering period from acute COVID-19, as well as a PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) to examine PSTD. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were performed. Results: The prevalence estimates of PTSD ranged between 36 and 41% based on three predefined cut-offs. As per multiple linear regression analysis, PTSD was much more common among those who took part and reported being middle-aged/older adults (≥40 years), having lower S.E.S., and who slept more (>9 h/day). In addition, PTSD was negatively associated (p <0.05) with the social support of family members/friends/relatives, and colleagues in working settings; while positively correlated with health care providers. Conclusion: The current investigation revealed a considerably higher level of PTSD among COVID-19-recovered patients. The findings suggest extending the mental health services, other covariates, and immediate intervention among national and international COVID-19 recovered patients.

Mental Health Status of Healthcare Workers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Survey of Hospitals in Shiraz, Iran

Background:Healthcare workers (HCWs) directly or indirectly involved in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment process may experience severe mental consequences of the pandemic. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the mental health status of HCWs in hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Materials and Method:This cross-sectional study was performed on 503 HCWs from five hospitals in Shiraz, including one COVID-19 front-line hospital, two COVID-19 second-line hospitals, and two without COVID-19 wards. Then, to assess the levels of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among HCWs, the Persian versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Global Psychotrauma Screen (GPS) questionnaires were placed, respectively. Results:The mean age of participants was 33.94±8.26 years, and 252 (50.1%) were females. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and moderate to high levels of PTSD were observed in 40.4%, 37.8%, 24.5%, and 71% of participants, respectively. A history of mental disorders was associated with all four outcomes (P&lt;0.05). Females gender and living with elderly and/or children were correlated with anxiety and PTSD (P&lt;0.05). Working at COVID-19 front- and second-line hospitals were similarly linked to higher insomnia and PTSD levels (P&lt;0.05). Also, working in COVID-19 wards or non-clinical settings was associated with anxiety and depression (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion:Most of the HCWs in this study may experience mental difficulties. Some factors may increase their risk of experiencing these difficulties. Hence, in the crisis era, mental health monitoring and identification of groups with predisposing factors are required to provide appropriate care as quickly as feasible.

Alexithymia as a Mediator between Intimate Partner Violence and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Mothers of Children Disclosing Sexual Abuse.

The unveiling of child sexual abuse (CSA) can elicit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in non-offending parents. The impact of disclosure is stronger for mothers who have already experienced interpersonal trauma, such as CSA or intimate partner violence (IPV). Alexithymia often serves as a coping mechanism in the aftermath of a trauma, as it creates a distance between oneself and distressing events. It could prevent individuals from resolving their trauma, be a risk factor for PTSD symptoms and compromise mothers' capacity to support their child. The objective of this study was to examine whether alexithymia mediated the relationship between the experiences of interpersonal violence (IPV and CSA) of mothers of sexually abused children, and mothers' PTSD symptoms following disclosure of their child's abuse. A sample of 158 mothers of sexually abused children completed questionnaires assessing CSA and IPV and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, which measures the capacity to identify and express emotions. The Modified PTSD symptom Scale-Self-Report evaluated PTSD symptoms related to their child's disclosure of sexual abuse. Results of a mediation model revealed that alexithymia significantly mediated the relationship between IPV and PTSD symptoms. Mothers' CSA was directly associated with higher levels of PTSD following their child's disclosure of abuse, but the relationship was not mediated by alexithymia. Our findings highlight the importance of assessing mothers' history of interpersonal trauma and ability to recognize and identify emotions as well as the need to offer support and specific intervention programs to mothers.

The impact of trauma and daily hardships on the mental health of unaccompanied refugee minors detained in Libya.

The high trauma load and prevalence of mental distress in unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) who resettle in Western (European) countries is well documented. However, the lack of studies investigating the potentially most vulnerable population, URMs who are currently on the move in transit countries such as Libya, is alarming. To document the mental health of URMs detained in Libya and the possible associations with trauma, flight and daily hardships. In total n = 99 (94.9% male; n = 93) URMs participated in this cross-sectional study conducted in four detention centres near the Libyan capital Tripoli. Data were collected via standardised questionnaires in an interview format and analysed using structured equation modelling. Participants reported high rates of trauma, especially within Libya itself. Reports of daily hardships in detention ranged between 40 and 95% for basic needs and between 27 and 80% for social needs. Higher social needs were associated with increased anxiety symptoms (β = 0.59; P = 0.028) and increased pre-migration (β = 0.10; P = 0.061) and peri-migration trauma (β = 0.16; P = 0.017) with symptoms of depression. Similarly, higher levels of pre-migration trauma were associated with higher post-traumatic stress disorder levels (β = 0.17; P = 0.010). The rates of daily hardships and traumatic events are higher compared with those recorded for URMs living in asylum centres in Europe. The emotional, social and cognitive development of detained URMs is severely threatened in both the short and long term. This paper outlines some of the most detrimental effects of migration policies on URMs transiting through Libya.

Mental Health Status of Healthcare Workers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Survey of Hospitals in Shiraz, Iran.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) directly or indirectly involved in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment process may experience severe mental consequences of the pandemic. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the mental health status of HCWs in hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed on 503 HCWs from five hospitals in Shiraz, including one COVID-19 front-line hospital, two COVID-19 second-line hospitals, and two without COVID-19 wards. Then, to assess the levels of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among HCWs, the Persian versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Global Psychotrauma Screen (GPS) questionnaires were placed, respectively. The mean age of participants was 33.94±8.26 years, and 252 (50.1%) were females. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and moderate to high levels of PTSD were observed in 40.4%, 37.8%, 24.5%, and 71% of participants, respectively. A history of mental disorders was associated with all four outcomes (P0.05). Females gender and living with elderly and/or children were correlated with anxiety and PTSD (P0.05). Working at COVID-19 front- and second-line hospitals were similarly linked to higher insomnia and PTSD levels (P0.05). Also, working in COVID-19 wards or non-clinical settings was associated with anxiety and depression (P0.05). Most of the HCWs in this study may experience mental difficulties. Some factors may increase their risk of experiencing these difficulties. Hence, in the crisis era, mental health monitoring and identification of groups with predisposing factors are required to provide appropriate care as quickly as feasible.

Longitudinal Shifts in Movement Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Relations to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among University Students.

This study examined the longitudinal changes of movement behaviors and their relationships with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among university students during the coronavirus disease 2019 in China. A total of 569 university students completed online surveys twice (Time 1: between December 2020 and January 2021; Time 2: between November and December 2021). Physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration and quality, as well as PTSD were self-reported. According to Canadian 24-h movement guidelines, the longitudinal shifts in each movement behavior from Time 1 to Time 2 were divided into four categories (consistently meeting the guidelines, from meeting to not meeting the guidelines, from not meeting to meeting the guidelines, and consistently not meeting the guidelines). Generalized linear mixed models were conducted using 410 valid responses (20.2 ± 1.0 years old at Time 2, 41.2% males). From Time 1 to Time 2, 22.2%, 2.0%, and 45.6% of the students consistently met the physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep guidelines, respectively. Compared to those who consistently met the sedentary behavior guideline, students who consistently failed to meet or changed from meeting to not meeting the guidelines had higher levels of PTSD. Students who had poor sleep quality at both time points or changed from good to bad sleep quality had higher levels of PTSD than those who maintained good sleep quality over time. Compared to those who consistently failed to meet the guideline, students who consistently met the PA guideline had higher levels of PTSD. These findings highlight the needs to improve and maintain healthy behaviors for mental health.

The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers.

BackgroundAs unprecedented and prolonged crisis, healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of developing psychological disorders. We investigated the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HCWs.MethodsThis cross-sectional study randomly recruited 439 HCWs in Hunan Cancer Hospital via a web-based sampling method from June 1st 2021 to March 31st 2022. Anxiety and depression levels were measured using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was used to assess the presence and severity of PTSD. Fear was measured by modified scale of SARS. Data were collected based on these questionnaires. Differences in fear, anxiety, depression and PTSD among HCWs with different clinical characteristics were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance. The Cronbach's alpha scores in our samples were calculated to evaluate the internal consistency of HADS, fear scale and PCL-5.ResultsThe prevalence of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in HCWs was 15.7, 9.6, and 12.8%, respectively. Females and nurses were with higher fear level (P < 0.05) and higher PTSD levels (P < 0.05). Further analysis of female HCWs revealed that PTSD levels in the 35–59 years-old age group were higher than that in other groups; while married female HCWs were with increased fear than single HCWs. The internal consistency was good, with Cronbach's α = 0.88, 0.80 and 0.84 for HADS, fear scale, and PCL, respectively.ConclusionGender, marital status, and age are related to different level of psychological disorders in HCWs. Clinical supportive care should be implemented for specific group of HCWs.

Post-traumatic stress in people from the interior drylands of the Maule region, Chile in the context of climate change.

Progressive changes in local environmental scenarios, accelerated by global climate change, can negatively affect the mental health of people who inhabit these areas. The magnitude of these effects may vary depending on the socioeconomic conditions of people and the characteristics of the environment, so certain territories can be more vulnerable than others. In this context, the present study aimed to geographically analyse the levels of psychosocial impact and the types of disruptive responses related to the new territorial scenarios caused by climate change in the coastal drylands of the Maule region, Chile. For this purpose, 223 people from two communes (Curepto and Pencahue) were psychosocially evaluated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) together with a survey of the prevailing sociodemographic and socioeconomic conditions in relation to the environmental variables of the territory. All information was georeferenced, stored within an ArcGIS Desktop geographic information system (GIS) and then investigated by application of contingency tables, ANOVA and local clustering analysis using SSP statistical software. The results indicated a high level of PTSD in the population, with significant differences related to age and education as well as employment conditions and income. The spatial results showed high PTSD values in the communal capital of Curepto in the central agricultural valley near the estuary of the local river, while the existence of coldspots was observed in the central valley of the Pencahue commune. It was concluded that proximity to population centres and surface water sources played the greatest role for the development of PTSD.

COVID-19 Relates to Both PTSD and PTG in a Non-clinical Population, Why?

We assessed levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic growth (PTG) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK using an online questionnaire, in May and June 2020, during “lockdown.” Some 440 participants took part and 91.8% of the sample was female. Large numbers of participants had high levels of PTSD, with some 50.2% with “probable PTSD”. Yet 49.5% of participants also demonstrated high levels of PTG. Regression analysis revealed rumination to be key predictors for PTSD and PTG.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Its Related Factors in Nurses Caring for COVID-19 Patients.

Background:Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that can result from direct or indirect contact with traumatic events. The current study aimed to evaluate PTSD and its related factors in nurses caring for COVID-19 patients.Materials and Methods:This study was a descriptive correlational study. Using convenience sampling methods, 395 nurses were enrolled in the study. The study instruments included demographic information, Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and General Health and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test, t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis.Results:The mean (SD) age and work experience of the participants were 33.79 (6.74) years and 9.47 (6.47) years, respectively. Most nurses (86.60%) experienced PTSD. Multiple linear regression results showed general health (R2 = 0.51, p = 0.001), job insecurity (R2 = 0.51, p = 0.042), decision latitude (R2 = 0.51, p = 0.037), and high age (R2 = 0.51, p = 0.049) to be associated with an increase in PTSD, and having high social support (R2 = 0.51, p = 0.043) was associated with a decrease in PTSD in nurses.Conclusions:Nurses have experienced high levels of PTSD after the fatal outbreak of COVID-19 disease. Stressful conditions associated with an increased likelihood of this disorder should be identified, and coping skills such as decision latitude (control) and social support should be strengthened to prevent the symptoms of this disorder in nurses.

Just another day's work: The nexus between workplace experiences and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in jail settings

PurposeCorrectional officers experience more workplace violence and victimization than individuals in comparable public service occupations, and such experiences may lead to higher levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MethodsIn this study, we examine the officer- and facility-level correlates of PTSD among 1327 officers working in 20 jails and consider the relationships between exposure to violence (ETV), workplace stressors, personal demographics or experiences, and PTSD indicators. ResultsOur results suggested that officers who were assaulted or were threatened more often, who witnessed more staff assaults, and who perceived unreasonable workloads or greater role problems at work were more likely to exhibit PTSD symptoms. However, officers with greater family support, males, and non-white officers had a lower propensity for PTSD. ConclusionsJail workforces that perceived more dangerous conditions, greater role problems, and more daily interaction with those they supervised had higher levels of PTSD. Implications for research and policy are discussed.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Associated Factors among Caregivers of Patients with COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: One of psychological disorders caused by catastrophic life events or severe medical problems is the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder among people. Different sociodemographic factors have been associated with the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Such research is lacking with COVID-19 especially in the Saudi context.&#x0D; Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with PTSD during the outbreak of COVID-19.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 92 Saudi citizens, living in Saudi Arabia, and had at least one relative who had been diagnosed with COVID-19. Data were collected using the impact of event scale (IES-R). SPSS was used to run a multiple linear regression analysis.&#x0D; Results: The results revealed that participants suffered from a partial PTSD. The regression analysis showed a significant relationship between participants’ characteristics and PTSD. The model explained 13.9% of the variance of PTSD (F [5, 77] = 2.49, R2 =.139, p&lt; .05). Two predictors of gender (p&lt;.01) and level of education (p&lt;.05) were statistically significant to the prediction. Male participants had higher PTSD scores than female participants (beta = -9.19, t = -2.73, p&lt; .01). Also, those caregivers with low level of education had higher PTSD levels (beta = 3.279, t = 2.30, p &lt;.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The current study demonstrated a strong association between participants’ demographic characteristics (namely gender and level of education) and PTSD. A lack of information and the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak may be important factors in increasing people’s levels of PTSD. Therefore, future research aiming to find appropriate solutions to such issues is recommended.

Potential Application for First Responder Organisations of Desensitisation and Reprocessing Treatment for Individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

This literature review discusses the impact and nature of traumatic experiences of first responders, focusing on their ability to cope with the cognitive and behavioural symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). First responders are defined as police, fire, ambulance, military, public health service workers, and state, local, and volunteer agencies, who protect and safeguard communities. First responders disproportionately suffer from PTSD; symptoms often lead to inability to continue their duties. Individuals and organisations should consider how individuals recover from PTSD. This paper reviews literature on PTSD interventions and recommends Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy for treatment of PTSD in first responders. The literature review explored effective treatment options for overcoming PTSD and found an embedded culture in first responder organisations of cognitive avoidance, which results in reduced help seeking behaviours. Poor help-seeking behaviours correlate with high levels of PTSD and psychological distress, low levels of mental health literacy, and career issues. This paper discusses how EMDR is a potential and effective therapy to reduce symptoms of PTSD in first responders. Evidence reviewed in this paper suggests EMDR should be used as a treatment option for first responders to help reformulate negative thoughts/beliefs associated with exposure to traumatic events.