Characteristics of PTSD after medical disturbance and its correlation with psychosocial factors among emergency nurses

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) among emergency nurses in a city after medical disturbance, and analyze its social and psychological related factors.

MethodsUsing a sample survey method, 92 emergency nurses suffered from medical disturbance from 8 hospitals in Bengbu city were selected.The nurses were investigated using the general situation questionnaire, civilian version of the post-traumatic stress disorder self-assessment scale(PCL-C), social support assessment scale and psychological resilience scale.The influencing factors of PTSD in the emergency nurses after suffering from medical disturbance were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

ResultsThe PCL-C score of emergency nurses was 17-64 points, and the average score of which was(35.68±13.26)points.The positive PTSD in 17 nurses(18.48%) was identified, the most common symptom of PTSD was hypervigilance, and the difficulty falling asleep or shallow sleep was more common.The differences of the working years, professional title, type of medical disturbance, frequency of medical disturbance, social support and psychological resilience among different emergency nurses with positive PTSD were statistically significant(P < 0.05).The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the types of medical disturbance, frequency of medical disturbance, social support and psychological resilience were the independent influencing factors of PTSD in emergency nurses(P < 0.05).

ConclusionsAfter the emergency nurses suffering from medical disturbance, the most common symptom of PTSD is high alertness, and the occurrence of PTSD is related to the social support and psychological resilience.