Risk Factors for PTSD in Chinese Students After a Snowstorm
Author Information
Author(s): Wu Daxing, Yin Huifang, Xu Shujing, Zhao Ying
Primary Institution: The Medical Psychological Research Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
Hypothesis
The extent of disaster exposure and the severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms would be associated with the student's residence, school-to-home distance, and time to walk home.
Conclusion
School-to-home distance, negative coping, neuroticism, and teacher's emotional support significantly influenced the onset of posttraumatic stress reactions in students following a snowstorm disaster.
Supporting Evidence
- 14.5% of students had a total IES-R score ≥20, indicating significant PTSD symptoms.
- Students with greater school-to-home distances showed higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms.
- Students with emotional support from teachers reported higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms.
Takeaway
This study found that students who had to walk longer distances home after a snowstorm were more likely to feel stressed, especially if they didn't have support from their teachers.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted three months after the snowstorm, using questionnaires to assess psychological symptoms and demographic characteristics.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and the absence of structured interviews for PTSD assessment.
Limitations
The study lacked baseline data prior to the storm and did not include a control group.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 428 males (44.2%) and 540 females (55.8%), with a mean age of 18.56 years; 66.1% resided in rural areas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.012
Confidence Interval
1.13-2.62
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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