Frequency of post-traumatic stress disorder among relief force workers after the tsunami in Asia: do rescuers become victims?

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the participants of the Turkish Red Crescent Disaster Relief Team after the Tsunami in Asia.

METHODS

The Clinician Administered PTSD Scale-1 (CAPS-1) was administered to 33 of 36 team members one month after their Disaster Relief Team duty. Along with the CAPS-1 interview, demographic features, profession, previous professional experience, previous experience with traumatic events and disasters also were recorded. To be classified as present, a symptom must have a frequency score of "1" and an intensity score of "2" at the CAPS-1 interview. For a diagnosis of PTSD, at least one re-experiencing, three avoidance and numbing, and two increased arousal symptoms should be present.

RESULTS

The PTSD was diagnosed in eight of the 33 (24.2%) participants. No significant difference was detected in the distribution of PTSD diagnosis according to gender, age, profession, professional experience, previous disaster experience, and/or previous experience of traumatic events. However, the severity of PTSD symptoms as measured by the CAPS-1 score was significantly higher in women, nurses, and participants with <3 previous disaster duty experiences.

CONCLUSION

Post-traumatic stress disorder is prevalent within disaster teams and healthcare workers, and measures should be taken to prevent PTSD within this group.