Dataset Information

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder among first aid providers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Every year, large numbers of individuals are present or provide first aid in situations involving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, injuries, or suicides. Little is known about the impact of providing first aid or witnessing a first aid situation, but research indicates that many first aid providers (FAP) experience persistent psychological difficulties. Here we aimed to assess the level of psychological impact of being a FAP.

Methods

In this retrospective study, FAP attending follow-up were asked to complete the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), which is a self-report diagnostic measure of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). We recorded endorsement of a symptom or functional impairment (score ≥ 2/4 on at least one of 18 items).

Results

Of the 102 FAP in this study, 86 (84%) showed endorsement of a symptom or functional impairment. Common symptoms/functional impairments included being super-alert, watchful, or on guard; having powerful mental images; avoiding internal reminders or memories; and being affected in important parts of one's life. One-third had affected ability to work. Of the FAPs who attended follow-up more than one month after the incident (n = 32), 19% met the criteria for PTSD or CPTSD.

Conclusions

The majority of FAPs have endorsement of a symptom or functional impairment. Some FAPs fulfil the criteria of PTSD. We suggest that follow-up should be offered by the EMS to all FAPs involved in incidents with an unconscious patient.

SUBMITTER: Ovstebo AMM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10020090 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder among first aid providers.

Øvstebø Anna Marie Moe AMM Bjørshol Conrad Arnfinn CA Grønlien Sissel S Lund Helene H Lindner Thomas Werner TW

Resuscitation plus 20230309

<h4>Background</h4>Every year, large numbers of individuals are present or provide first aid in situations involving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, injuries, or suicides. Little is known about the impact of providing first aid or witnessing a first aid situation, but research indicates that many first aid providers (FAP) experience persistent psychological difficulties. Here we aimed to assess the level of psychological impact of being a FAP.<h4>Methods</h4>In this retrospective study, FAP atte ...[more]

PMID: 36935818

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Project description:Background Firefighters, as first responders with a high risk of occupational exposure to traumatic events and heavy working stress, have a high prevalence of PTSD symptoms and depressive symptoms. But no previous studies analyzed the relationships and hierarchies of PTSD and depressive symptoms among firefighters. Network analysis is a novel and effective method for investigating the complex interactions of mental disorders at the symptom level and providing a new understanding of psychopathology. The current study was designed to characterize the PTSD and depressive symptoms network structure in the Chinese firefighters. Method The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were applied to assess PTSD and depressive symptoms, respectively. The network structure of PTSD and depressive symptoms was characterized using “expected influence (EI)” and “bridge EI” as centrality indices. The Walktrap algorithm was conducted to identify communities in the PTSD and depressive symptoms network. Finally, Network accuracy and stability were examined using the Bootstrapped test and the case-dropping procedure. Results A total of 1,768 firefighters were enrolled in our research. Network analysis revealed that the relationship between PTSD symptoms, “Flashback” and “Avoidance,” was the strongest. “Life emptiness” was the most central symptom with the highest EI in the PTSD and depression network model. Followed by “Fatigue” and “Interest loss.” Bridge symptoms connecting PTSD and depressive symptoms in our study were “Numb,” “High alertness,” “Sad mood,” and “Compunction and blame,” successively. The data-driven community detection suggested the differences in PTSD symptoms in the clustering process. The reliability of the network was approved by both stability and accuracy tests. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, the current study first demonstrated the network structure of PTSD and depressive symptoms among Chinese firefighters, identifying the central and bridge symptoms. Targeting interventions to the symptoms mentioned above may effectively treat firefighters suffering from PTSD and depressive symptoms.

Project description:IntroductionWe aimed to study post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in breast cancer (BC) patients during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.Materials and methodsWe included BC patients receiving medical treatment during the first COVID-19 lockdown in France. PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaire. Quality of life [Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G)], cognitive complaints [Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog)], insomnia [Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)], and psychosocial experiences during lockdown were also evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify clinical factors (from medical records) and psychosocial factors (from questionnaires) associated with PTSD symptoms.ResultsAmong the 253 included BC patients (mean age: 58), 46% had metastatic cancer and 52% were treated by chemotherapy alone. COVID-19-induced adjustments in medical oncology practices were experienced by 27% of patients (mainly teleconsultations). No case of COVID-19 was reported; 23% of BC patients had PTSD symptoms. Compared to other patients, patients with PTSD symptoms had more fears relative to COVID-19 infection (83 vs. 60%, p = 0.009), had more feeling of isolation (69 vs. 41%, p = 0.003), and had more prescription or increased use of psychotropic drugs (49 vs. 20%, p = 0.001). In the multivariable model adjusted for clinical factors, fears relative to COVID-19 and increased use of psychotropic drugs were independently associated with PTSD symptoms (OR [95% CI] = 3.01 [1.20-8.44] and 3.45 [1.48-8.17], respectively). Besides, patients with PTSD symptoms had poor quality of life (QoL), and more cognitive complaints and insomnia.ConclusionPost-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were observed in 23% of BC patients during the first COVID-19 lockdown in France. Psychological supports are needed for patients treated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dataset Information

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder among first aid providers.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder among first aid providers.

Similar Datasets

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