Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Self-rating Scale Research Articles

Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in mothers and adolescents after the Wenchuan earthquake: A cross-sectional and longitudinal network analysis

ObjectiveThis study used network analysis to investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal network between PTSD symptoms within mother-adolescent dyads at 12 and 18 months after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. MethodsThe sample was from the Wenchuan Earthquake Adolescent Health Cohort. 399 mother-adolescent dyads completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale at 12 and 18 months after the earthquake. We assessed central symptoms (those with the most significant influence on other symptoms) and bridge symptoms (symptoms connecting different communities) in contemporary networks (i.e., cross-sectional networks). Subsequently, cross-lagged panel network analyses (CLPN) were performed to estimate longitudinal relationships among symptoms between dyads. ResultsIn the contemporary networks, symptoms such as “intrusive thoughts” of both dyads and “flashbacks” of adolescents were central, indicating that they are crucial in maintaining the network of PTSD symptoms. Additional symptoms such as maternal “difficulty in concentration” and dyads’ “pessimism and disappointment” should also be considered because of their central roles. Moreover, the temporary network did not directly replicate the contemporary networks, with adolescents’ “nightmares” at 12 months having a high influence on other PTSD symptoms at 18 months. LimitationsSelf-reported tools other than clinical diagnoses were used to collect data. ConclusionsThese symptom-level associations at cross-sectional and longitudinal networks extend our understanding of PTSD symptoms among mother-adolescent dyads by pointing to specific key symptoms of PTSD that may drive the co-occurrence of PTSD among dyads. Recognizing these symptoms is imperative for the development of targeted interventions and treatments aimed at addressing comorbid PTSD in mother-adolescent dyads.

Epidemiological characteristics of post-traumatic stress symptoms and its influence on length of hospital stay in inpatients with traumatic fractures in Zunyi, China.

To investigate the clinical epidemiological characteristics and occurrence of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in patients with traumatic fractures, we sought to analyze the factors that influence the prognosis of a length of hospital stay (LOS) and provide valuable insights to prevent PTSS in fracture patients and improve their prognosis. Inpatients with traumatic fractures were recruited from a third-class comprehensive general hospital in southwest China between November 2019 and October 2020. Case data of traumatic fracture patients were collected, and a questionnaire that included general information and basic fracture details was completed. The post-traumatic stress disorder Self-rating Scale was used to assess PTSS among the fracture inpatients. A total of 204 inpatients who experienced traumatic fractures were included in this study. Falls accounted for the largest proportion of traumatic fractures. A Cox's regression analysis revealed that serious injury [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 2.44, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.33-4.46], critical illness during hospitalization (HR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.13-2.54), and undergoing two surgeries (HR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.20-2.93) were risk factors for longer LOS. Among the fracture patients, 30.39% exhibited positive PTSD symptoms, and physical activity during the fracture [Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45-0.88] and increased pain (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.82-6.11) were identified as influencing factors. Given the high detection rate of PTSS following traumatic fractures, it is crucial for relevant departments to implement targeted measures to protect high risk individuals. Furthermore, strengthening the care provided to the patients' physical and mental health is urgently needed to reduce the incidence of PTSS.

The correlation between theatrical artistic expression and employees’ resistance to PTSD

BackgroundDrama art, as a diverse art form, provides practitioners with a unique way of self-expression through role-playing, situational simulation, and emotional expression. Personnel engaged in theatrical performances often experience psychological injuries due to uncontrollable factors such as insufficient rehearsals, which can develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Based on this background, this study aims to analyze the correlation between the two.Subjects and MethodsThis study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. Through in-depth interviews, questionnaire surveys, and psychological tests, 300 theatrical art practitioners were selected for a 12-month follow-up study. Evaluate the patient’s status using the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale (PTSD-SS). During the experiment, SPSS 24.0 was used for statistical data analysis.Results The study found that compared to practitioners who are less involved in theatrical expression, practitioners who frequently participate in theatrical art expression have a lower proportion of PTSD after experiencing traumatic events. In addition, practitioners who delve into theatrical role-playing and emotional expression have more positive and healthy emotional regulation abilities and strategies for coping with trauma.ConclusionsThe expression of theatrical art provides practitioners with a powerful psychological adjustment tool, which helps them confront and prevent post-traumatic psychological disorders. This provides a new approach to treatment and intervention in the mental health field and brings new value and significance to drama art education and practice.

Disaster education: empowering resilience and mitigating PTSD in disaster-prone areas of China

The people of disaster-affected communities are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the adverse effects of natural disasters. Education about disasters has become a possible strategy for fostering resilience and easing PTSD symptoms. This study intends to investigate the moderating roles of social support and disaster experiences on the relationships between disaster education, psychological resilience, and PTSD in disaster-prone regions of Southwest China. This study used Disaster Education Evaluation Scale, Psychological Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Social Support Rating Scale (SRSS), event intensity Scale and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale (PTSD-SS), surveyed 712 residents in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan and other areas where natural disasters frequently occur in Southwest China. The research findings indicate that there is a negative association between disaster education and PTSD. The association is influenced by the presence of improved psychological resilience, which acts as a mediator. Additionally, it was discovered that disaster events positively moderated the relationship between psychological resilience and PTSD while social support negatively moderated it. Resilience has a noteworthy role as a substantial mediator, highlighting its crucial function in mitigating the detrimental consequences of catastrophes and amplifying the beneficial outcomes of disaster education. These results imply that building psychological resilience, which might reduce PTSD symptoms in people living in disaster-prone regions, is a critical part of disaster education. The strength of the catastrophic event and social support are other factors that affect how psychological resilience and PTSD are related. The research argues that disaster education is crucial for strengthening community resilience and reducing PTSD symptoms in at-risk areas. To increase psychological resilience and lessen PTSD in high-risk locations, policymakers and disaster management organizations should emphasize disaster education initiatives and strengthen social support network.

Prospective network of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms across adolescent survivors with distinct trajectories of PTSD: A cohort study of the Wenchuan earthquake

There are multiple trajectories of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following disasters. Unraveling the patterns of interactions between PTSD symptoms across distinct PTSD trajectories is crucial. This study was aimed at investigating the temporal sequences, changes, and predictive symptoms in PTSD networks over time across distinct PTSD trajectory groups. Data were exacted from the Wenchuan Earthquake Adolescent Health Cohort (WEAHC) study. The current study included 1022 adolescents (424 males) who participated in follow-up surveys at 12 months and 24 months post-earthquake. Self-reported PTSD symptoms were assessed with the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale. The between-person network revealed significant differences across distinct trajectories. In the chronic dysfunction group, “Intrusive thoughts” had the strongest value in predicting on other PTSD symptoms. In contrast, “Difficulty in study or work” in the recovery group and “Physiological cue reactivity” in the resistance group were highly associated with the remission of other PTSD symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of "Difficulty in study or work" and “Physiological cue reactivity” for promoting the spontaneous remission of PTSD and further suggest that “Intrusive thoughts” maybe helpful to minimize the subsequent presence of other PTSD symptoms. Future research should investigate the causality and associations between within-person networks.

The resilience scale: factorial structure, reliability, validity, and parenting-related factors among disaster-exposed adolescents

BackgroundIn this study, we examined psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Resilience Scale (RS) and parenting-related factors associated with resilience among disaster-exposed adolescents.MethodsEighteen months after the earthquake, a total of 1266 adolescents (43.4% male, mean age = 15.98; SD = 1.28) were assessed using the RS, the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale, the Depression Self-rating Scale for Children, the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, and Parental Bonding Instrument.ResultsThrough exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) and parallel analysis, responses were characterized into a 3-factor structure: personal competence, meaningfulness, and acceptance of self and life. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the RS was 0.89 and the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.72. In terms of predictive validity, resilience was found to be a significant predictor for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Multiple regression analysis showed that maternal parenting styles were significant predictors of resilience after adjusting for gender, age, sibling number, and earthquake experiences.ConclusionsThe Chinese version of RS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing resilience among adolescent survivors after disasters. The implications for research and resilience-oriented interventions were also discussed.

Psychological Distress and Its Correlates Among COVID-19 Survivors During Early Convalescence Across Age Groups

To examine the psychological distress and the associated predictor factors of the 2019 corona-virus disease (COVID-19) on survivors in the early convalescence in Shenzhen. A survey questionnaire consisting of post-traumatic stress disorder self-rating scale (PTSD-SS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) was presented to COVID-19 survivors still in quarantine. Scores of each scale and subscale were dependent variables in the Mann-Whitney test and stepwise regression analysis. A total of 126 subjects were included in the study, the mean scores of PTSD-SS, SDS, and SAS were 45.5 ± 18.9, 47.3 ± 13.1, and 43.2 ± 10.2, respectively, meanwhile, 9 (31.0%), 28 (22.2%), and 48 (38.1%) of the survivors met the cut-score for clinical significant symptoms of stress response, anxiety, and depression, respectively. Infected family members, and postinfection physical discomforts were significantly associated with scores on all three scales. Social support, retirement, and being female had significant associations with the PTSD-SS score. The survivors aged 60 or above experienced less severe stress response symptoms, fewer emotional symptoms of depression, and fewer anxiety symptoms than younger survivors. The occurrence rate of psychological distress among the COVID-19 survivors in early convalescence was high, highlighting the need for all COVID-19 survivors to be screened for psychological distress regularly for timely intervention. The predictors indicated by the current study may help to identify those at high-risk. Besides, the results indicated the older survivors suffered less emotional reactivity and fewer stress response symptoms from infectious diseases than the younger ones.

Mental health survey of medical staff in a tertiary infectious disease hospital for COVID-19

Objective: To investigate the mental health of clinical first-line medical staff in COVID-19 epidemic and provide theoretical basis for psychological intervention. Methods: The mental health status of the first-line medical staff was investigated by Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Self- rating Scale (PTSD-SS). From February 7 to 14, 2020, 246 medical staff participated in the treatment of COVID-19 were investigated using cluster sampling, and received 230 responses, with a recovery rate of 93.5%. Results: The incidence of anxiety in medical staff was 23.04% (53/230) , and the score of SAS was(42.91±10.89). Among them, the incidence of severe anxiety, moderate anxiety and mild anxiety were 2.17%(5/230) , 4.78%(11/230) and 16.09%(37/230) , respectively. The incidence of anxiety in female medical staff was higher than that in male [25.67%(48/187) vs 11.63%(5/43) , Z=-2.008, P=0.045], the score of SAS in female medical staff was higher than that in male [(43.78±11.12) vs (39.14±9.01) , t=-2.548, P=0.012]. The incidence of anxiety in nurses was higher than that in doctors[26.88% (43/160) vs 14.29% (10/70) , Z=-2.066, P=0.039], and the score of SAS in nurses was higher than that in doctors [ (44.84±10.42) vs (38.50±10.72) , t=-4.207, P<0.001]. The incidence of stress disorder in medical staff was 27.39% (63/230) , and the score of PTSD-SS was (42.92±17.88) . The score of PTSD-SS in female medical staff was higher than that in male[ (44.30±18.42) vs (36.91±13.95) , t=-2.472, P=0.014]. Conclusion: In COVID-19 epidemic , the incidence of anxiety and stress disorder is high among medical staff. Medical institutions should strengthen the training of psychological skills of medical staff. Special attention should be paid to the mental health of female nurses.

Mental health sataus and influencing factors of medical staff after blood-borne occupational exposure

Objective: To explore the mental health status and influencing factors of medical staff after blood-borne occupational exposure, and to provide scientific basis for effective psychological intervention. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2018, 178 medical staff with blood-borne occupational exposure in three hospitals of Shandong Province were collected as the contact group, and 100 routine medical staff as the control group during the same period. Questionnaires were conducted among medical staff in the two groups, including general information questionnaire, symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90) , post-traumatic stress disorder self-rating scale (PCL-C) , coping style scale (CPS) , social support scale (SSRS) . The basic situation and mental health level of medical staff in the two groups, as well as the coping and social support status of medical staff exposed to hematogenous occupational exposure were analyzed. Relevant influencing factors. Results: The total score of SCL-90 was 1.66+0.33, 45 (38.14%) were positive, and 21 (21.00%) were positive in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=7.529, P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the scores of SCL-90 somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depression, anxiety, hostility, paranoia and total scores of medical staff in the exposure group increased significantly (P<0.05) . The total PCL-C score of exposure group was 36.84+9.50, PTSD positive 47 (39.83%) and control group 13 (13.00%) . The difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=19.534, P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, PCL-C re-experience, avoidance, vigilance factor scores and total scores of medical staff in the contact group increased significantly (P<0.05) . The problem solving, help seeking and subjective support of the medical staff in the positive mental health group with blood-borne occupational exposure were significantly lower than those in the negative group, while self-blame, fantasy and withdrawal were significantly higher than those in the negative group (P<0.05) . The mental health level of medical staff with occupational exposure was negatively correlated with problem solving, help seeking and subjective support, and positively correlated with self-blame, fantasy and withdrawal (P<0.05) . Problem solving, help seeking and subjective support were protective factors of mental health (OR=2.121, 1.616, 1.371) , and self-blame and withdrawal were risk factors of mental health (OR=0.160, 0.484) . Conclusion: Medical personnel exposed to blood-borne occupational exposure are prone to psychological problems and PTSD. Solving problems, seeking help and subjective support are protective factors for mental health, while self-blame and withdrawal are risk factors for mental health.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in living donors after pediatric liver transplantation: A cross-sectional investigation study.

Liver transplantation can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in recipients, but the risk factors associated with PTSD in living donors are unknown. To investigate this progression in pediatric living donors, a cross-sectional investigation was carried out.All participants completed 2 questionnaires: a PTSD self-rating scale (PTSD-SS) and a validated Chinese version of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36). Clinical and demographic data were collected from medical records and self-report questionnaires. Univariate analysis was conducted to identify statistical differences.The prevalence of full PTSD (all symptom clusters) and partial PTSD (2 out of 3 symptom clusters) was 12.1% and 31.1%, respectively. Those with an educational status of elementary school (P = .001), who were donors to their children (P = .008), who were in the first 6 months after transplant (P < .001), or were involved in transplants where the recipients had severe complications (P = .02) were more likely to have higher PTSD-SS scores than other groups. The non-PTSD group had a higher health-related quality-of-life score compared with the full and partial PTSD groups in the domains of physical function, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health. In addition, the occurrence of PTSD was related to a poorer quality of life.The occurrence of PTSD was common in living donors after pediatric liver transplantation. Those with a lower educational status, who were donors to their children, were in the first 6 months after transplant, or were involved in transplants where the recipients had severe complications were most likely to experience PTSD. Post-traumatic stress symptom severity was significantly associated with a poorer quality of life after transplant.

Impact of post-intensive care syndrome of ICU survivors on burden of primary caregivers

Objective To explore the impact of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) of ICU survivors on burden of primary caregivers. Methods This study included ICU survivors and primary caregivers who meeting the conditions between 2016.4.1 and 2017.6.30. Mini-mental State Examination, The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Self-rating Scale and the Barthel Index Rating Scale were used to assess PICS in ICU survivors at 3 months after discharge from ICU. At the same time, the Chinese Zarit Burden Interview was used to assess the primary caregivers' burden. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between PICS and primary caregiver burden. Results PICS occurred in 127 patients. 228 (58.9%) caregivers had mild or no burden, 102 (26.4%) had moderate burden and 57 (14.7%) had severe burden. Logistic multiple regression analysis showed that the patient's PICS was an independent risk factor for the caregiver's burden [OR=1.547(1.143-6.189), P=0.018]. Conclusions PICS of ICU survivors can increase the burden of primary caregivers. Necessary PICS education for patients and caregivers may have a certain significance to reduce the level of burden. Key words: Intensive care unit; Survivors; Caregiver; Burden; Post-intensive care syndrome

Effect of workplace bullying on posttraumatic stress disorder in nursing staff

Objective: To investigate the relationship between workplace bullying and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in nursing staff, and to analyze the role of psychological capital between workplace bullying and PTSD. Methods: From December 2014 to June 2015, convenience sampling was used to collect 496 nurses from 5 grade A tertiary hospitals in a province of China. Their workplace bullying, psychological capital, and PTSD status were assessed using the Negative Acts Questionnaire, Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale, respectively. The correlation between variables was analyzed using a structural equation model. Results: Among these nurses, the scores of negative acts, psychological capital, and PTSD were 37.15±12.83, 78.81±16.54, and 34.56±12.52, respectively. The score on each dimension of negative acts was positively correlated with that on each dimension of PTSD (P<0.01) ; the score on each dimension of psychological capital was negatively correlated with that on each dimension of PTSD and negative acts (P<0.01). Negative acts had a positive predictive effect on PTSD (β=0.539, P<0.01) , which was reduced after inclusion of psychological capital (β=0.513, P<0.01). The path coefficient was 0.62 for the effect of negative acts on PTSD, -0.18 for the effect of negative acts on psychological capital, and -0.11 for the effect of psychological capital on PTSD (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Workplace bullying is a predictive factor for PTSD, and psychological capital plays a mediating role between workplace bullying and PTSD. The manager should reduce workplace bullying to improve the psychological capital in nursing staff and to prevent and reduce PTSD.

Sleep Disturbance Predicts Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depressive Symptoms: A Cohort Study of Chinese Adolescents.

To examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between sleep disturbance and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms in a large cohort of adolescents exposed to the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. Participants were 1,573 adolescents (mean age at initial survey = 15.0 years, SD = 1.3 years; 46% male) in the Wenchuan Earthquake Adolescent Health Cohort (WEAHC) in Dujiangyan, China, 20 km away from the east epicenter. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale, and Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children were used to assess participants' sleep, PTSD symptoms, and depressive symptoms, respectively, at 12 months (T12m) and 24 months (T24m) after the Wenchuan earthquake that occurred on May 12, 2008. At T12m and T24m, 38.3% and 37.5% of participants reported sleep disturbance, 22.5% and 14.0% reported PTSD symptoms, and 41.0% and 38.3% reported depressive symptoms, respectively. The prevalence rates of PTSD and depressive symptoms at T12m and T24m significantly increased with sleep disturbance and short sleep duration. After adjusting for demographics, earthquake exposure, and PTSD/depressive symptoms at T12m, sleep disturbance at T12m was significantly associated with increased risk for PTSD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.17-2.75) and depressive symptoms (OR = 1.51; 95% CI, 1.14-2.02) at T24m. Furthermore, sleep disturbance predicted the persistence of PTSD (OR = 2.35; 95% CI, 1.43-3.85) and depressive symptoms (OR = 2.41; 95% CI, 1.80-3.24). Sleep disturbance, PTSD, and depressive symptoms were prevalent and persistent in adolescents at 12 and 24 months after exposure to the Wenchuan earthquake. Sleep disturbance predicts the development and persistence of PTSD and depressive symptoms. Early assessment and treatment of sleep disturbance may be an important strategy for prevention and intervention of PTSD and depression in adolescent trauma survivors.

Longitudinal trajectories of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among adolescents after the Wenchuan earthquake in China.

This study examines the patterns and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom trajectories among adolescent survivors following the Wenchuan earthquake in China. A total of 1573 adolescent survivors were followed up at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-earthquake. Participants completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale (PTSD-SS), Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist, Social Support Rate Scale, and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. Distinct patterns of PTSD symptom trajectories were established through grouping participants based on time-varying changes of developing PTSD (i.e. reaching the clinical cut-off on the PTSD-SS). Multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine predictors for trajectory membership. PTSD prevalence rates at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were 21.0, 23.3, 13.5 and 14.7%, respectively. Five PTSD symptom trajectories were observed: resistance (65.3% of the sample), recovery (20.0%), relapsing/remitting (3.3%), delayed dysfunction (4.2%) and chronic dysfunction (7.2%). Female gender and senior grade were related to higher risk of developing PTSD symptoms in at least one time point, whereas being an only child increased the possibility of recovery relative to chronic dysfunction. Family members' injury/loss and witness of traumatic scenes could also cause PTSD chronicity. More negative life events, less social support, more negative coping and less positive coping were also common predictors for not developing resistance or recovery. Adolescents' PTSD symptoms showed an anniversary reaction. Although many adolescents remain euthymic or recover over time, some adolescents, especially those with the risk factors noted above, exhibit chronic, delayed or relapsing symptoms. Thus, the need for individualized intervention with these adolescents is indicated.

Sleep Problems Among Adolescent Survivors Following the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in China

To examine sleep problems and associated risk factors among adolescent survivors following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, the deadliest earthquake to strike China in 30 years. A cohort of students (N = 1,573) in the 7th and 10th grades from Dujiangyan City, 21 kilometers from the epicenter, was followed up periodically for 2 years. Participants were assessed at 12 months (n = 1,398; May 18-22, 2009), 18 months (n = 1,288; November 23-27, 2009), 24 months (n = 1,313; May 17-21, 2010), and 30 months (n = 1,038; November 22-26, 2010) after the earthquake. Adolescents were asked to complete the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI; cutoff for sleep problems: total score of ≥ 8), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale (cutoff for probable posttraumatic stress disorder: ≥ 50), Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (cutoff for depressive disorder: ≥ 15), Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (cutoff for clinical anxiety: ≥ 25), Social Support Rate Scale, and Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist and provide demographic information. Trajectory analysis was used to examine sleep disturbance changes and associated risk factors. Twelve months after the earthquake, 48.90% of participants reported sleeping less than 7 hours per night, 27.68% disclosed difficulties initiating sleep, 8.82% experienced problems staying sleep, 22.60% felt their sleep quality was poor, and 40.01% had difficulties functioning during daytime hours. Overall sleep problems, as assessed by the PSQI global scale, were stable from 18 months to 30 months following the earthquake, and the prevalence rates were between 28.79% and 30.18%. The risk of sleep issues was significantly increased in senior high school students (OR = 2.29) and in those who witnessed the tragic events directly (OR = 1.21). Depression (OR = 1.69), anxiety (OR = 1.57), poor social support (OR = 1.83), and negative life events (OR = 2.62) were also associated with increased risk and persistence of sleep problems. Sleep disturbances are common and persistent in adolescent earthquake survivors. Multiple demographic, psychosocial, and earthquake-related factors are associated with the increased risk of sleep difficulties.

Posttraumatic stress disorder after liver transplantation

Liver transplantation can lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the risk factors associated with this progression are not well understood. To study this syndrome in adult liver transplant recipients, a cross-sectional investigation of 296 recipients at our hospital was carried out between January and June 2010. Study participants completed two questionnaires [a PTSD self-rating scale (PTSD-SS) and a validated Chinese version of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36)]. Clinical and demographic data were collected from the records of the Chinese Liver Transplant Registry and via questionnaires. The prevalence of full PTSD and partial PTSD (that met the criteria for 2 of the 3 symptom clusters) was 3.7% and 5.4%, respectively, for all transplant recipients. Significant differences between the recipients with no PTSD, partial PTSD, and full PTSD were found in all SF-36 domains except for physical functioning (P=0.466). In general, domain scores were the highest in the recipients who did not meet the criteria for PTSD and the lowest in the recipients who met the criteria for full PTSD. Greater severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms was correlated with poorer quality of life, especially in the bodily pain (P=0.004), social functioning (P=0.001), role-emotional (P=0.048), and mental health (P<0.001) domains. The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores, complications, and educational status were identified by multiple regression analysis as risk factors for developing PTSD. PTSD occurred after liver transplantation and was significantly associated with decreased quality of life. Higher MELD scores and complications after transplantation were risk factors that contributed to PTSD, and higher education was a protective factor.

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Resilience Scale in Wenchuan earthquake survivors

ObjectivesResilience refers to the ability to effectively cope and positively adapt after adversity or trauma. This study investigated the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Resilience Scale (RS) for college students with Wenchuan earthquake exposure. MethodsA total of 888 Chinese college students with Wenchuan earthquake exposure completed a set of scales, including the RS, the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Self-rating Scale, the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale, the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale, and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Short Scale for Chinese. The internal consistency and concurrent validity were investigated. Sex and regional differences were also examined. ResultsThe results of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis showed that the 4-factor structure was suitable for both Chinese samples 1 and 2. The Cronbach α coefficient was .94 (P < .01), split-half reliability coefficient was .92 (P < .01), and the test-retest reliability coefficient was .82 (P < .01). The total resilience score was correlated negatively with posttraumatic stress disorder (r = −0.21; P < .01), depression (r = −0.45; P < .01), anxiety(r = −0.34; P < .01), and neuroticism (r = −0.23; P < .01), and correlated positively with extraversion (r = 0.23; P < .01). Men showed higher resilience scores than women, and people living in the high earthquake-exposure areas reported higher level of resilience than those from low earthquake-exposure areas. ConclusionsThe Chinese version of the RS was demonstrated to be a reliable and valid measurement in assessing resilience for Wenchuan earthquake survivors.

A study of the posttraumatic stress disorder, coping styles and security of witnessed college students

Objective To explore the posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD) symptoms, coping styles and security sense of witnessed college students. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 800 freshmen and sophomores students from a medical university in Guangzhou. The participants were asked to fill posttraumatic stress disorder self-rating scale (PTSD-SS) ,simplified coping style questionnaire(SCSQ) and security questionnaire(SQ). Results 155 college students had witnessed injury and the ratio was 20.5% ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Compared to the students who hadn't witnessed experience, the witnessed college students had less security( 50.78± 5.63 vs 52.01 ± 5.19 ), less active coping styles ( 34.94 ± 5.42 vs 35.88 ± 5.45 ) and less sense of control (25.07 ±4.25 vs 26.11 ±3.71 ) ,and they had got a higher score in PTSD symptoms and negative coping styles.Apart from the interpersonal sense of security,the other differences were significant between the two groups ( P＜0.05 ); the scores of PTSD symptoms had significant correlation with the total and subscales of coping styles and sense of control (P ＜ 0.01 or P ＜ 0.05 ). Conclusion The witnessed college students have severer PTSD symptoms and less security,and tend to take negative coping styles. Key words: College students ; Witnessed violence ; PTSD symptoms ; Coping styles ; Security ;

Posttraumatic stress disorder 1 month after 2008 earthquake in China: Wenchuan earthquake survey

The objective of the study was to understand the rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to explore the effects of sociodemographic characteristics and the disaster losses on the development of PTSD 1 month after the 2008 earthquake in China. A random sample of 430 survivors were investigated for PTSD with a self-report questionnaire including the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Self-rating Scale and Survivor Information Questionnaire between June 15 and June 20, 2008. Chi-square analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, were used to evaluate PTSD morbidity and risk factors of survivors. A total of 257 (62.8%) subjects met the criteria for PTSD 1 month after the earthquake. Married status (odds ratio (OR) =2.22, 95%confidence interval (CI): 1.06–4.65), female gender (OR=2.36, 95%CI: 1.51–3.70), having deaths or injury of family members (OR=1.67, 95%CI: 1.07–2.57), low education level (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.07–1.80), and losses of possessions (OR=1.82, 95%CI: 1.05–3.16) all had a significant effect on survivors' PTSD. PTSD was as prevalent in disaster victims in China as in those elsewhere. In the early stage of disasters, those victims who were female, not well educated, and suffered considerable losses in their possessions or family members should be closely attended to during the early psychological intervention.

Study on traumatic stress status and related factors in the servicemen during the "5.12" earthquake relief work

Objective To analyze the traumatic stress status of servicemen during 5. 12 earthquake relief work and explore the related factors of servicemen' s mental health in stress condition. Methods The scales of General Status Invested Score (GSIS) , Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Self-rating Scale (PTSD-SS) , Simplified Copy Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) and Personal Evaluation Inventory ( PEI) were used to assess 869 servicemen during the earthquake relief work. Results 24.4% of servicemen in earthquake relief work had traumatic stress reaction problems, and was higher than the control group(9.2%, χ~2 =66.06, P<0.01). There was negative significant correlation among the total score of PTSD-SS and the duty, knowledge of psychology, social support, living condition, the genes(F3, F4, F5, F6, F8) and total marks of PEI. The negative significant correlation was found among the total score of PTSD-SS and the negative copy style. Regression analysis showed that the living condition , knowledge of psychology, negative copy style, the genes ( F3, F5, F6, F8 ) and total marks of PEI were more important in traumatic stress reflection than other factors. Conclusion Attention should be paid to the post traumatic stress reaction in servicemen of action under military stress, and servicemen' s mental health in stress condition were correlated with the living condition, knowledge of psychology, negative copy style, and self-confidence. Key words: Earthquake relief work; Service men; Mental health