Levels Of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Research Articles

The relationship between traumatic exposure and pain perception in children: the moderating role of posttraumatic symptoms.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect approximately half of all children worldwide. These experiences have been linked to increased pain sensitivity in adulthood and a higher likelihood of developing severe chronic pain. However, most studies have assessed the effects of ACEs retrospectively, long after they occurred, leaving room for other factors to influence the observed outcomes. We investigated, for the first time, the association between ACEs and concurrent pain perception among young children who live in a conflict zone and are consistently exposed to potentially traumatic experiences. Participants were 60 elementary school children (ages 8-11 years) living in conflict regions (n = 39) or nonconflict regions (n = 21). Posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) severity, traumatic exposure, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and mechanical detection threshold (MDT) were measured. Trauma-exposed children had significantly lower PPT than did controls, but MDT was similar across groups. Pressure pain threshold correlated positively with proximity to the conflict zone and inversely with traumatic exposure magnitude and PTSS severity. In addition, PTSSs moderated the relationship between repeated traumatic exposure and PPT. Children with higher PTSS severity displayed pain hypersensitivity regardless of their traumatic exposure level, whereas in children with lower PTSS severity, greater traumatic exposure correlated with pain hypersensitivity. The results suggest that ACEs among children lead to concurrent pain hypersensitivity and distress and may put them at elevated risk of chronic pain early in life. In addition, our findings emphasize the need for identifying children with various PTSS levels to provide tailored interventions and mitigate the long-term negative effects of ACEs.

The contributions of social network support and reciprocity to posttraumatic stress symptoms across time among parents and caregivers impacted by the ABC Day Care Center fire in Hermosillo, Mexico.

In 2009, a fire occurred in the ABC Day Care Center in Hermosillo, Mexico, that killed and injured many children who were in attendance that day. This study investigated the association between the posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) of socially connected parents and caregivers whose children were affected by the fire. Parents and caregivers of the children who were in attendance the day of the fire were interviewed 8-11 months and 20-23 months postfire. Linear network autocorrelation modeling was used to test for autocorrelations of the outcome variable count of PTSS within different configurations of the network of caregivers. No significant network effects appeared in models from the first interview period, but effects did appear in the second period, specifically in the three models in which network ties consisted of "receive informational support" (.220), "give and receive emotional support" (.167), and "give and receive both informational and emotional support" (.213). The findings suggest that in these three network configurations, as relationships grew in strength from the first interview to the second, the level of one's own PTSS was more comparable to the level of PTSS of one's social connections. Two theoretical mechanisms that may explain this result are homophily and social influence.

The Role of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Post Migration Life Difficulties for Future Aspirations of Iraqi and Syrian Asylum Seekers

The majority of asylum seekers experience some kind of traumatic events before or during their flight and their challenging experiences do not end after resettlement. Still, they need to envision and build their future life in the host country. Moreover, asylum seekers’ future aspirations need to be differentiated from the satisfaction of essential needs. We (1) measured future aspirations (FA); (2) explored whether FA and post-migration life difficulties (PMLD) differ between asylum seekers with high and low levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS); and (3) examined whether PTSS, PMLD, gender, age, and length of stay are associated with different types of FA. In total, 139 Iraqi and Syrian asylum seekers (55 female, 83 male) aged 18 to 67 years ( M = 34.03, SD = 10.35) participated. A four-factor structure of FA was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Participants with high levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms reported higher levels of PMLD and lower levels of FA related to their home country. FA related to the host country and FA related to occupation were predicted by lower levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms, while future aspirations related to the home country were predicted by higher levels of PMLD. Results indicate that asylum seekers who experienced more traumatic events before they migrated are more reluctant to return to these places in the future. Treating the psychological impairments of this highly vulnerable group and relaxing the manifold structural barriers are crucial to foster their construction of a future life.

Critical incidents and post-traumatic stress symptoms among experienced registered nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundRegistered nurses working on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic encountered significant challenges, including exposure to critical incidents. Critical incidents refer to sudden unexpected clinical events that surpass an individual's ability to cope, leading to considerable psychological distress, which could potentially result in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Research has shown a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among healthcare workers, particularly those in close contact with COVID-19 patients. ObjectiveTo assess the levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms among registered nurses in relation to exposure to working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as how much their work was affected by the pandemic, re-deployment, working hours hindering sufficient recovery between shifts and critical incidents. DesignCross sectional study. Setting(s)The registered nurses working in multiple health care services covering all 21 geographic regions in Sweden. ParticipantsA total of 1,923 registered nurses, who are part of a Swedish national cohort and have been followed since their nursing education, were invited to participate in a survey in late September 2021 (15 to 19 years post graduation). MethodsThe data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, unpaired t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance. Cohen's d was employed to quantify differences in mean levels between subgroups. ResultsThe response rate were 56.5 %. Over 50 % of experienced registered nurses reported significant disruptions to their work environments. In total, 85 % of registered nurses were exposed to at least one critical incident in their work during the pandemic, with 60 % facing organisational changes and nearly 50 % experiencing emotionally distressing situations. The exposure to work situations involving critical incidents consistently demonstrated strong associations with higher levels of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms compared to those not exposed, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to high. ConclusionsThis study underscores the profound impact that working conditions, such as redeployment and exposure to critical incidents, have on the mental health of registered nurses. We offer valuable insights into registered nurses’ pandemic-related challenges, highlighting the need for support and interventions to prevent and manage critical incidents, ultimately promoting their well-being. We also highlight the significance of thorough workforce readiness planning for future pandemics and other challenging health care scenarios, such as staff shortage.

Patient characteristics associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms in intensive care unit survivors during a one-year follow-up: A multicenter study

BackgroundIntensive care unit (ICU) patients are at risk of suffering from posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after ICU survival. ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence of high levels of PTSS the first year after ICU admission. Further, to identify specific combinations of patient characteristics (latent classes based on pre-ICU data, demographics, and clinical characteristics), and to investigate possible associations among these classes and PTSS at 3, 6, and 12 months after ICU admission. MethodsSelf-reported PTSS were measured with Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). PTSS and possible predictive factors (pre-ICU data, demographics, and clinical characteristics) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, latent class analysis, and linear mixed model for repeated measures. ResultsHigh PTSS levels (IES-R ≥ 33) were reported by 14.9 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] [10.0; 21.1]), 16.7 % (95 % CI [11.5; 23.1]), and 18.4 % (95 % CI [12.9; 25.0]) of patients (sample 1, n = 174) at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Three latent classes were identified (sample 2, n = 417). PTSS were significantly associated with class 2 (male with longer hospital stay) at 6 months and class 3 (age≥70, lower level of education, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score, being mechanically ventilated) at all three measurement times. ConclusionsThe prevalence of high levels of PTSS is the greatest 12 months after ICU admission. Health professionals can use this information to be aware of specific groups of ICU patients reporting PTSS during the first year and follow up on these.

A longitudinal investigation of caregiving and adolescent post-traumatic stress symptoms during COVID-19: evidence for high resting RSA as a susceptibility factor.

Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) were the most frequently reported mental health concern for youth during COVID-19, yet variations in youth's PTSS responses warrant empirical consideration. Features of the caregiving environment influence youth's responses to environmental stressors, and youth's parasympathetic nervous system regulation may qualify the magnitude and/or direction of these effects. This prospective investigation evaluated diathesis stress and differential susceptibility models of caregiving and parasympathetic influences on youth's PTSS responses to COVID-19. Participants were 225 caregiver-youth dyads (youth 49.8% female at birth; 88.4% non-white) followed from childhood through adolescence and COVID-19. Youth's resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA; Mage = 6.11, s.d. = 0.21), caregiving features (i.e. attachment security [youth Mage = 12.24, s.d. = 0.35] and caregiver internalizing psychopathology [caregiver Mage = 39.29, s.d. = 6.78]) were assessed pre-pandemic. Youth's PTSS was assessed one year prior to the US COVID-19 pandemic (Mage = 14.24, s.d. = 0.50) and during the spring of 2020 at the height of the pandemic (Mage = 15.23, s.d. = 0.57). Youth's PTSS increased during COVID-19. Youth with relatively high resting RSA evidenced the lowest PTSS when their caregiving environment featured high attachment security or low caregiver internalizing problems, but the highest PTSS when their caregiving environment featured low attachment security or high caregiver internalizing problems. In contrast, PTSS levels of youth with relatively low or average resting RSA did not differ significantly depending on attachment security or caregiver internalizing. Results are consistent with a differential susceptibility hypothesis, wherein relatively high resting RSA conferred heightened sensitivity to caregiving environments in a for-better-and-for-worse manner during COVID-19.

Long-term psychological impact of the pandemic COVID-19: Identification of high-risk groups and assessment of precautionary measures five months after the first wave of restrictions was lifted.

Critical facets of our lives have been disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak for almost three years. During this time, there has been a lot of clinical and research interest in issues related to mental health. However, few have examined the pandemic's long-term psychological effects. The aims of the present study were to assess the long-term psychological impact of the pandemic COVID -19, five months after the first wave restriction measures were lifted, to identify high-risk groups and to address the use of precautionary measures (PM). Information about sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, coping mechanisms, and compliance with precautionary measures (PM) were all gathered in Cyprus through an anonymous online survey. The poll was completed by 1128 people (73% of whom were female). For the purposes of the present study, descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling were used. 32.3% of participants experienced moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms, where 16.4% and 23% reported moderate-to-severe depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms respectively. Lower levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms as well as greater compliance to PM were linked to higher levels of resilience. Additionally, subgroups of participants, at a higher risk for negative psychological effects were identified, such as women and young adults. Our findings demonstrate the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and provide guidance on how to deal with similar situations. It also raises questions about the concurrent effects on people with the long COVID syndrome.

Gender differences in mental health outcomes amid the COVID-19 pandemic and a collapsing economy: A Lebanese cross-sectional study

Response plans to control the transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) overlooked the repercussions of the combined economic and public health crisis among the most vulnerable populations, including women and people who have experienced abuse. This paper primarily aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and economy-related variables on Lebanese adults’ mental health, focusing on gender differences. A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2020 using an online survey with validated scales created on Google Forms. A total of 502 adults living in Lebanon with access to the internet were enrolled in the study, irrespective of age, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, gender identity, religion, location, education, and culture (n = 502). The multivariate analysis, adjusted on sociodemographic characteristics, economic, and coronavirus-related variables, showed that women exhibited higher distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) levels than men. Moreover, violence at home was associated with more distress and insomnia, with borderline results for anxiety and well-being. No significant difference was found for PTSSs. In the context of combined health and economic crises, mental health outcomes are not equally felt across genders. Additional studies in a few months would help better understand the long-term impact, especially on PTSS and quality of life, which might not be perceptible during the crisis. Focused public health strategies are warranted to support and protect the most vulnerable populations.

Moderating effect of work fatigue on the association between resilience and posttraumatic stress symptoms: a cross-sectional multi-country study among pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists, despite their vital contributions, have faced significant challenges that have impacted their mental well-being, potentially leading to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress symptoms (PTSS). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of work-related fatigue as a potential moderator in the relationship between pharmacists' resilience and their likelihood of experiencing PTSS during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted online in eight countries from January to December 2021, including Brazil, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Serbia, and Tunisia. The mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS MACRO (an SPSS add-on) v3.4 model 1, taking work fatigue as a moderator in the association between resilience and PTSS. A total of 442 pharmacists were enrolled in this study (mean age = 33.91 ± 10.36 years) with 59.5% of them being females. The results were adjusted over country, gender, working in contact with COVID-19, working patients, working mandatory hours, working voluntary hours, age, household crowding index and number of months engaged in COVID-19. The interactions resilience by physical (Beta = 0.02; p = .029), mental (Beta = 0.02; p = .040) and emotional (Beta = 0.03; p = .008) work fatigue were significantly associated with PTSS; for pharmacists with low to moderate levels of physical (Beta = - 0.33; p < .001 and Beta = - 0.21; p = .001), mental (Beta = - 0.29; p < .001 and Beta = - 0.18; p = .006) and emotional (Beta = - 0.31; p < .001 and Beta = - 0.17; p = .008) work fatigue, higher resilience was significantly related to lower PTSS levels. However, for pharmacists with high levels of physical/mental/emotional work fatigue, the association between resilience and PTSS became non-significant. This study highlights the complex relationship between work-related fatigue, resilience, and PTSS in pharmacists. It emphasizes the need to address work-related fatigue for pharmacists' psychological well-being during crises, offering insights for tailored support and interventions.

Somatic symptoms and insomnia among bereaved parents and siblings eight years after the Utøya terror attack

ABSTRACT Background: Levels of prolonged grief symptoms (PGS) and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) can be high, many years following bereavement after terror, but knowledge concerning somatic health is scarce. Terrorism is a serious public health challenge, and increased knowledge about long-term somatic symptoms and insomnia is essential for establishing follow-up interventions after terrorism bereavement. Objective: To study the prevalence of somatic symptoms and insomnia and their association with PGS, PTSS, and functional impairment among terrorism-bereaved parents and siblings. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study included 122 bereaved individuals from the Utøya terror attack in Norway in 2011. The sample comprised 88 parents and 34 siblings aged 19 years and above (Mage = 49.7 years, SDage = 13.8 years, 59.8% females). The participants completed questionnaires 8 years after the attack assessing somatic symptoms (Children’s Somatic Symptoms Inventory) and insomnia (Bergen Insomnia Scale) along with measures of PGS (Inventory of Complicated Grief), PTSS (Impact of Event Scale–Revised), and functional impairment (Work and Social Adjustment Scale). Results: Fatigue was the most frequently reported somatic symptom (88% of females and 65% of males). Females reported statistically significantly more somatic symptoms than males. In total, 68% of the bereaved individuals scored above the cut-off for insomnia. There were no statistically significant gender differences for insomnia. Female gender, intrusion, and arousal were associated with somatic symptoms. Intrusion and somatic symptoms were associated with insomnia. Somatic symptoms, avoidance, and hyperarousal were associated with functional impairment. Conclusion: Many bereaved parents and siblings report somatic symptoms and insomnia eight years after the terror attack. Somatic symptoms are associated with functional impairment. Long-term follow-up and support after traumatic bereavement should focus on somatic symptoms and insomnia.

War and women: An analysis of Ukrainian refugee women staying in the Czech Republic.

In addition to the loss of life, Russian aggression against Ukraine, which began in February 2022, also brings interpersonal losses resulting from the need to emigrate. Parallel to the fighting men, women bear most of the burden of caring for the family. Using in-depth interviews supplemented by questions about adverse childhood experiences and administration of The Centrality of Events Scale and the PTSD Checklist - PCL-5 with 43 Ukrainian women (18-60years old), we analyzed adaptation to the situation of emigration and the association of their war and earlier experiences with the level of traumatization. Women were interviewed shortly after emigration to the Czech Republic (3-42week afterward). High levels of adverse childhood experiences and post-traumatic stress symptoms were found. The war was perceived as a currently negative central event associated with traumatic stress symptoms, and 79% of the sample expressed the opinion that the war had changed them. The results of this study suggest an intertwining of previous life experiences with the current need and ability to adapt.

Identifying post-traumatic stress symptom typologies in clinical and non-clinical healthcare staff: a latent profile analysis.

Background: There has been growing concern regarding increasing levels of post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms experienced by healthcare workers (HCW) in the UK, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.Objectives: PTS symptom typologies have been investigated in other adult populations using person-centred latent variable approaches, revealing profiles showing differing symptom levels and patterns. We aimed to explore typologies among clinical and non-clinical healthcare staff to elucidate heterogeneity of presentation. Methods: This was a retrospective study using referral data from treatment-seeking healthcare staff in the North of England (N = 1600). We employed latent profile analysis using the PTSD International Trauma Questionnaire domains as profile indicators. We included covariates relating to role-type, depression, anxiety and mental health concerns before March of 2020. Results: A model with six profiles fit the data best. Profile names were given as follows: 'No symptom'; 'Low symptom'; 'Low symptom (moderate Sense of current threat (Th_dx) and Functional impairment (FI))'; 'Moderate symptom (low Th_dx and high Avoidance (Av_dx))'; 'Moderate symptom'; and 'High symptom'. Covariates were shown to have differential predictive power on profile membership. Conclusions: The finding of profiles with pattern differences suggests a need for both differential and specifically targeted treatments, as well as a consideration of early intervention for those individuals with subclinical PTS symptoms. As expected, anxiety and depression were both predictors of several of the symptomatic profiles, with anxiety producing a larger effect. Further research is required to fully understand the link between role-type and PTS symptom typologies among HCW. .

Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Coping in the Time of COVID-19: A Longitudinal Assessment

The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) experienced by individuals in response to COVID-19; to identify which coping strategies individuals employed in response to the pandemic; and to understand the relationship between COVID-19 stress and PTSS over time. Adult participants were assessed at three timepoints over the course of approximately 8 months. Between 13% and 15% of participants endorsed high levels of PTSS at Time 1, indicative of likely PTSD. Participants endorsed using a variety of coping strategies with moderate frequency at Time 1, including self-distraction, active coping, positive reframing, planning, acceptance, and religion. Longitudinally, Time 1 COVID-19 stress was found to predict the development of Time 3 PTSS. This relationship was partially mediated by Time 2 behavioral disengagement. Additionally, acceptance was identified as a moderator of the relationship between Time 1 COVID-19 stress and Time 3 PTSS, in an unexpected direction.

Network analysis of the comorbidity between post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety symptoms among frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic pointed out significant mental symptoms of frontline healthcare workers (HCWs). We aimed to estimate the prevalence and comorbidity of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression and anxiety symptoms in HCWs from Fangcang shelter hospitals during the pandemic. Demographic information, post-traumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) were obtained online based on stratified random sampling design during April 2022, with 284 eligible responses. Hierarchical regression analyses were applied to investigate independent variables associated with psychological status outcomes (PHQ-9, GAD-7 and PCL-5), and the network analyses were applied to explore the comorbidity using all items of PCL-5, PHQ-9 and GAD-7. (1) 10.56%, 13.03% and 8.10% of HCWs reported PTSS, depression and anxiety symptoms. Fifty-three (18.66%) HCWs experienced at least one mental health disorder, among which 26.42-37.74% HCWs had comorbidity of two or three mental disorders; (2) several influence factors of mental health were identified, including medical professions, working hours, contacted patients (p < 0.05); (3) prominent bridge symptoms between PTSS and depression were sleep problems, suicide ideation, concentration difficulties and recklessness. Comorbidity between PTSS and anxiety was thought to mainly stem from negative affect, such as afraid, anxious, annoyed and worrying. Depressed mood and worry might be good targets during treatment of comorbidity of depression and anxiety. Our data suggest mild level of PTSS, depression and anxiety symptoms among HCWs during the pandemic and might give novel insights into assessment and intervention of comorbidity.

Long-term associations between early attachment and parenting and adolescent susceptibility to post-traumatic distress in a South African high-risk sample.

It has been proposed that children and young people living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are not only exposed more frequently to trauma but also have a higher likelihood of encountering traumas of greater severity than those living in high-income countries (HICs). This may lead to higher rates of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). However, developmental pathways to risk or resilience after trauma exposure in LMICs are underresearched. We examined early parenting and attachment as potentially important formative factors for later stress reactivity in a longitudinal cohort of South African children (N = 449). Parenting and attachment were assessed at child age 18 months, and interpersonal trauma exposure, PTSS and parenting stress were measured at 13 years (N = 333; core sample with data on all measures: N = 213). Following a vulnerability-stress approach, separate regression models were run to investigate whether parent-child attachment at 18 months, parental sensitivity and intrusiveness during play at 12 months, and current parenting stress at 13 years, interacted with adolescents' extent of interpersonal trauma exposure to predict their PTSS levels at 13 years. We found no predictive effects of either early attachment or current parenting stress in relation to child PTSS. There was some evidence for predictive influences of parental early intrusiveness and sensitivity on adolescent outcomes, though associations were unexpectedly positive for the latter. No interaction effects supporting a vulnerability-stress model were found. Overall, we found limited evidence that elements of the early parent-child environment predict child risk/resilience to trauma in LMIC children. Future studies should include more frequent assessments of relevant constructs to capture changes over time and consider further what comprises adaptive parenting in high-risk contexts.

Does COVID-19 vaccination affect post-traumatic stress symptoms via risk perception? A large cross-sectional study among the Chinese population

ObjectivesAlthough infection rates may increase after relaxation of the zero COVID strategy, the extensive vaccination campaign in China could potentially curb the spread of COVID-19, which may be associated with a low level of risk perception and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). However, the relationship between vaccination, risk perception and PTSS has not been studied extensively. This study aims to examine the associations between the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses, consistency in the type of each dose and time since vaccination with PTSS, and the mediating role of risk perception on such relationships in China. Study designCross-sectional sampling with a self-report questionnaire was used to measure vaccination, PTSS and risk perception. MethodsThe survey was conducted in Beijing, China, from 13 January to 9 February 2023. Linear regression analyses were conducted to test the relationship between vaccination, risk perception and PTSS. ResultsThe analysis included 55,803 individuals. In total, 72.86 % of participants received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Regression results indicated that people with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had a lower level of PTSS (β = −1.232, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: −1.930, −0.534) than those who had not received any doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Only the negative relationship between two-dose vaccination and PTSS was mediated by risk perception, while the negative relationship between the time since vaccination and PTSS was suppressed by risk perception. ConclusionsThis study showed that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine reduced PTSS by decreasing perceived risk. Vaccination time was negatively associated with PTSS, but this relationship was suppressed by risk perception.

Strength in the Face of Adversity: Perseverance and Resilience of Racialized Staff in the Homeless Sector During COVID-19

The emotional toll that individuals experience while working in the homeless sector ranges from traumatic stress and burnout to depression and decreased job satisfaction. Recent evidence highlights significant levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms among homeless service providers in some regions of Canada, which are higher than those reported prior to the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study seeks to examine the impact of gender and ethnicity on work-related stressors among frontline staff in the homeless sector. Utilizing data from a survey on mental health stressors and needs completed by a robust sample of 566 frontline workers in the homeless sector across Canada, we investigate traumatic stress, burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compassion satisfaction, and resilience between three key staff groups including Black, non-Black racialized, and Caucasian. Quantitative analysis revealed key themes related to 1) workplace traumatic experiences reported, 2) lived experience of homelessness, 3) lifetime traumatic events, 4) rates of traumatic stress symptoms, and 5) PTSD scores. Overall, Black staff demonstrated significantly fewer traumatic symptoms and lower burnout, and fewer on-the-job traumatic events, while non-Black racialized persons report slightly higher traumatic stress, burnout, and traumatic events, including traumatic experiences reported on the job. Non-Black racialized staff also report the highest PTSD Checklist (PCL) scores, indicating qualification for PTSD diagnosis. Caucasian staff reported the highest levels of lifetime traumatic events, traumatic events on the job, and burnout. Overall, racialized staff demonstrated lower levels of traumatic stress, and greater overall perseverance and resilience compared to their Caucasian counterparts. While areas such as coping practices and race-specific differences require additional research, the implications of this study can be used to inform institutional and organizational change and address mental health needs for racialized staff within homeless-serving organizations.

Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Governmental Public Health Workforce and General Population.

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in the governmental public health workforce and in US adults, assess differences in reporting PTSS within subgroups, and evaluate whether frontline workers reported higher levels of PTSS than persons in other jobs. We used data from 2 nationally representative studies: the 2021 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) and the COVID-19 and Life Stressors Impact on Mental Health and Well-being (CLIMB) study. Our study found that the state and local governmental public health workforce was more likely to report PTSS than the general adult population. Almost a quarter of public health agency employees (24.7%) and 21.1% of adults reported at least 3 symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Differences in levels of PTSS appeared within demographic groups for both samples. Personal care and service frontline workers had 4.3 times the odds of reporting symptoms of posttraumatic stress than non-frontline workers.

Longitudinal profile of post-traumatic symptoms in HealthCare Workers during COVID-19 pandemic: A latent transition model

IntroductionPandemics have the potential to be considered traumatic event, increasing the risk of developing post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in HealthCare Workers (HCW). However, few longitudinal studies have evaluated the impact of prolonged exposure to the risk imposed by COVID-19. Our aim was to identify subgroups of HCW with profiles of PTSS, how this profile changed during the pandemic and which variables were related to these changes. MethodsWe evaluated the levels of PTSS and psychological distress in a Brazilian HealthCare Workers' sample (n = 1398) in three waves of assessment: from May to June 2020 (Wave 1), December 2020 to February 2021 (Wave 2) and May to August 2021 (Wave 3), using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to identify subgroups with different profiles of symptms, and then, Latent Transition Analysis (LTA) was applied to examine changes in symptom profiles over time, including gender, psychiatric diagnosis history, and pandemic-related fears as covariates. Resultstwo profiles were identified: high-PTSS profile (Wave 1–23%; Wave 2–64% and Wave 3–73%) and a low-PTSS (Wave 1–77%; Wave 2–36% and Wave 3–27%). Being female, fear of contamination, and fearing financial problems were strong predictors of changes in the profile. In addition, the participants had a high probability of being in the high-PTSS in the long run. ConclusionThese results suggests that targeted interventions can mitigate the impact of pandemic. Providing financial support, and psychological support can be beneficial for those with psychiatric diagnoses and experiencing bereavement.

Acute stress symptoms 1-2 weeks after stroke predict the subsequent development of post-traumatic stress symptoms: A prospective cohort study.

To date no research has examined the potential influence of acute stress symptoms (ASD) on subsequent development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in stroke survivors. Our objective was to examine whether acute stress symptoms measured 1-2 weeks post-stroke predicted the presence of post-traumatic stress symptoms measured 6-12 weeks later. Prospective within-groups study. Fifty four participants who completed a measure of acute stress disorder at 1-2 weeks following stroke (time 1) and 31 of these participants completed a measure of posttraumatic stress disorder 6-12 weeks later (time 2). Participants also completed measures of stroke severity, functional impairment, cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, pre-morbid intelligence and pain across both time points. Some 22% met the criteria for ASD at baseline and of those, 62.5% went on to meet the criteria for PTSD at follow-up. Meanwhile two of the seven participants (28.6%) who met the criteria for PTSD at Time 2, did not meet the ASD criteria at Time 1 (so that PTSD developed subsequently). A hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that the presence of acute stress symptoms at baseline was predictive of post-traumatic stress symptoms at follow-up (R2 = .26, p < .01). Less severe stroke was correlated with higher levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms at Time 2 (rho = .42, p < .01). The results highlight the importance of early assessment and identification of acute stress symptoms in stroke survivors as a risk factor for subsequent PTSD. Both ASD and PTSD were prevalent and the presence of both disorders should be assessed.