Frequency of post-traumatic stress disorder and its association with types of physical injuries and depression in earthquake victims

ABSTRACT

To examine the frequency of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] in victims of October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan and to evaluate its association with type of physical injuries and depressive disorder. 210 victims were assessed for PTSD and depression by using semi-structured clinical interview and HADS respectively. These subjects were selected at random. Victims, both with or without physical injuries, were assessed. Of the two hundred ten victims, 141 had sustained physical injuries. Among those, 51% had soft tissue injuries, 36% had bony injuries and 13% had spinal injuries. Among physically injured victims 87 [62%] developed PTSD and 54 [38%] did not. Sixty nine victims who did not sustain physical injuries, 32 [46%] developed PTSD while 37 [54%] did not. The results indicate significant relationship between PTSD and physical injury [Chi square=4.43, df=1, p<0.05]. Frequency of PTSD was markedly increased in people suffered from physical injuries as compared to those who did not sustained injuries