Posttraumatic Stress Following the 2023 Odisha Train Accident: A Cross-sectional Comparison Study of Passengers, Health Professionals, and the Local Community.

OBJECTIVES

We studied posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and disorder (PTSD), associated factors, and quality of life (QOL) of a group of passengers (n = 58) affected by the 2023 Odisha train accident, comparing it with health professionals (n = 42) such as doctors and nurses who treated them, and individuals from the local community (n = 65). We also checked the anxiety and depression of passengers.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, we assessed accident experience and used the PTSD checklist, WHO-QOL-BREF, General Anxiety Disorder, and Patient Health Questionnaire scales.

RESULTS

The PTSS were common; specifically, intrusive memories (36.4%), feeling upset while reminded of the experience (33.9%), and avoidance of memories (30.9%). Strong negative feelings, loss of interest, feeling distant, and irritability or anger outbursts were significantly more common among passengers than others. PTSD was present in 20.7% of passengers, 19.0% of health professionals, and 7.7% of local participants. Seeing dead bodies significantly contributed to PTSD. Clinical levels of anxiety (58.3%) and depression (50%) were present in passengers, which were significantly associated with PTSD, along with fear of death. Passengers had the worst QOL and health satisfaction among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Following the train accident, stress-related psychiatric problems were common and highlighted the intervention needs of the affected people.