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Sixteen-year follow-up of childhood avalanche survivors.
- Source :
-
European Journal of Psychotraumatology . 2016, Vol. 7, p1-N.PAG. 9p. - Publication Year :
- 2016
-
Abstract
- Background: Every year a substantial number of children are affected by natural disasters worldwide. However, data are scarce on long-term psychological impact of natural disasters on children's health. Identifying risk factors and outcomes associated with the long-term sequelae of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can provide a gateway to recovery as well as enhancement of preventive measures. Objective: Among childhood avalanche survivors, we aimed to investigate risk factors for PTSD symptoms and the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and PTSD symptoms in adulthood. Methods: Childhood survivors (aged 2-19 at the time of exposure) of two avalanches were identified through nationwide registers 16 years later. The PosttraumaticDiagnostic Scale was used to assess current PTSD symptoms. One-way ANOVA was used to explore PTSD symptoms by background and trauma-specific factors, as well as associations with current SES. Predictors of PTSD symptoms were examined by multivariable regression analysis. Results: Response rate was 66% (108/163). Results from univariate ANOVA analysis revealed that female sex was associated with PTSD symptoms (F=5.96, p<.05). When adjusted for age and sex, PTSD symptoms were associated with lower education (F=7.62, p<.001), poor financial status (F=12.21, p<.001), and unemployment and/or disability (F=3.04, p<.05). In a multivariable regression model, when adjusting for age and sex, lack of social support (t=4.22, p<.001) and traumatic reactions of caregivers (t=2.49, p<.05) in the aftermath of the disaster independently predicted PTSD 16 years post-trauma. Conclusions: Lingering PTSD symptoms after childhood exposure to a disaster may negatively influence socioeconomic development in adulthood. Strengthening children's support systems post-disaster may prevent the long-term sequelae of symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 20008066
- Volume :
- 7
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- European Journal of Psychotraumatology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 120988109
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v7.30995