The psychological health of forensic investigators following mass fatality incidents: a cross-sectional study 9 months after the Jeju Air crash in South Korea.

INTRODUCTION

Following the Jeju Air crash in Muan (South Korea) on December 29, 2024, resulting in 179 fatalities, forensic investigators (FIs) were exposed to traumatic scenes while performing disaster victim identification (DVI) procedures. FIs are known to be at significant risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues due to their routine exposure to traumatic scenes. Despite its clinical significance, there remains a paucity of empirical research quantitatively evaluating the psychological ramifications of DVI procedures and associated occupational stressors on FIs.

METHODS

Therefore, the current cross-sectional survey was conducted among a total of 735 FIs, including 224 individuals who had been engaged in the Jeju Air crash site 9 months prior to the study. Mental health outcomes, including probable PTSD (IES-R-K defined), depression (PHQ-9 defined), anxiety (GAD-7 defined), alcohol use (AUDIT-C defined), and suicide risk (MHS: S defined), were evaluated. We used Chi-square tests to compare symptom prevalence between deployed and non-deployed FIs, and applied correlation and adjusted logistic regression analyses to identify MFI site-specific factors associated with probable PTSD.

RESULTS

Within the entire sample, the prevalence of probable PTSD and overall mental disorders reached 10.2% [95% CI: (8.0, 12.4)] and 19.7% [95% CI: (16.9, 22.6)]. Engaged FIs experienced significantly more frequent traumatic events and a higher probable PTSD prevalence [15.2, 95% CI: (10.5, 19.9)]. Traumatic experiences on scenes during DVI procedures, identification-related distress, and adverse working conditions were identified as factors significantly associated with probable PTSD.

DISCUSSION: These results offer critical insights into the mental health status and related site-specific factors in disaster contexts. The study supports the implementation of trauma-informed and evidence-based mental health initiatives to protect FIs exposed to MFIs.