Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an earthquake experience: A cross-sectional survey of Wenchuan earthquake victims with physical disabilities 10 years later

Background: Natural disasters such as earthquakes are highly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 was the worst earthquake in the modern history of China, but the long-term prevalence of PTSD among earthquake victims, particularly those with disabilities, remains unknown. This study investigated the long-term effect of PTSD brought about by the Wenchuan earthquake, and its relationship with demographic factors. Methods: A total of 308 earthquake victims who suffered from physical disabilities resulting from the Wenchuan earthquake were recruited from three hospitals in Sichuan to participate in a 10-year cross-sectional survey. Outcome measures included the Impact of Event Scale–Revised, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, and the European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions questionnaire. Results: Statistically significant relationships were found between PTSD and gender, returning to old occupations, loss and/or severe injury of relatives and/or friends, pain, cognition, depression, and anxiety. Female gender, loss of relatives and friends, and a diagnosis of amputation or fracture were significant predictive factors for PTSD. The prevalence of PTSD for earthquake victims with physical disabilities 10 years later was 42.21%. Participation and engagement in daily life and community activities was negatively correlated with PTSD. Conclusions: Earthquake victims still presented with PTSD 10 years after the disaster, particularly among victims who had suffered permanent loss of body parts or other physical disabilities. Identification of the risk factors in victims should be implemented as early as possible to provide them with the best support for their mental wellbeing.