An E-Mental Health Solution to Prevent and Manage Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries among First Responders in Alberta: Protocol for the Implementation and Evaluation of Text4PTSI (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Obuobi-Donkor ◽  
Ejemai Eboreime ◽  
Jennifer Bond ◽  
Natalie Phung ◽  
Scarlett Eyben ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Injuries ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND First responders are confronted with the traumatic event(s) in their work that has a significant toll on their psychological health and that may contribute to or result in post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) for many responders. Persons with a PTSI usually seek management therapies, which they hope will be effective. Evidence indicates that digital delivery of these therapies is an innovative, efficient and effective way to improve PTSI symptoms as in-person delivery. OBJECTIVE This project aims to implement and provide accessible, convenient and economical SMS text messaging services, known asText4PTSI, to first responders in Alberta, Canada, to prevent and improve the symptoms of PTSI among first responders and to improve their overall quality of life. We will evaluate post-traumatic symptoms and the impact of Text4PTSI on stress, anxiety and depression in relation to correspondent's demographic backgrounds. METHODS First Responders who subscribe to Text4PTSI receive daily supportive and psychoeducational text messages for six months. The text messages are pre-programmed into an online software program delivering messages to subscribers. Baseline and follow-up data are collected through online questionnaires using validated scales at enrollments of 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks (endpoint). In-depth interviews will be conducted to assess satisfaction with the text-based intervention. RESULTS We hypothesize that participants who enrol in this program will have improved PTSI symptoms, increased or improved quality of life and significant reduction of associated stress, depression and anxiety symptoms, among other psychological concerns. Improvement will be determined in comparison to established baseline parameters. CONCLUSIONS Text4PTSI is a practical, economic and easily accessible intervention, which provides supportive text messages and serves as an acceptable and evidence-informed way of preventing and managing symptoms associated with PTSI for first-responders. Results from this research will be beneficial for practitioners and will inform policy and decision making regarding psychological interventions for PTSI.

scholarly journals Survivors of avalanche accidents: posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and quality of life: a multicentre study

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Léonard ◽  
Anaëlle Charriau-Perret ◽  
Guillaume Debaty ◽  
Loïc Belle ◽  
Cécile Ricard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background As any traumatic event, avalanches could trigger psychological disorders on survivors. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among avalanche survivors and to evaluate post-traumatic stress disorder risks factors as well as the impact on quality of life. Methods A multicentre study was conducted in victims included in the North Alpine Avalanche Registry from 2014 to 2018. Data were collected through a standard questionnaire during semi-directed phone interviews. The primary outcome was the total score on the Impact of Event Scale Revised. Secondary outcomes were the Mental Component Scale and the Physical Component Scale scores of the Short Form 12 questionnaire. Results During the study period, 132 of 211 victims survived. Among the 107 victims included, 55 (51.4%) phone interviews were obtained. Six patients (10.9, 95% CI 1.76–20.05) had an Impact of Event Scale Revised score ≥ 33 indicating a strong probability for post-traumatic stress disorder. Median Mental Component Scale score was 39.0 (IQR 30.5–46.3) for post-traumatic stress disorder patients and 40.1 (IQR 36.5–43.4) for non post-traumatic stress disorder (p = 0.76). Median Physical Component Scale score was 39.4 (37.2–44.3) for post-traumatic stress disorder patients and 44.2 (39.1–46.8) for non post-traumatic stress disorder (p = 0.39). No significant difference in the quality of life in both populations was observed, and no independent risk factors of post-traumatic stress disorder was identified. Conclusion Avalanche accidents may induce post-traumatic stress disorders among survivors in a comparable prevalence to the most traumatic event already studied. Early recognition and preventive measures should be set up in order to reduce the psychological burden in these victims. Trial registration NCT03936738.

scholarly journals Mental health informed physical activity for first responders and their support partner: a protocol for a stepped-wedge evaluation of an online, codesigned intervention

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e030668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace McKeon ◽  
Zachary Steel ◽  
Ruth Wells ◽  
Jill M Newby ◽  
Dusan Hadzi-Pavlovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic

BackgroundFirst responders (police, fire and ambulance officers) are at a significantly increased risk of experiencing poor mental health, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These conditions are associated with high rates of cardiovascular disease, in part due to low levels of physical activity (PA) and high levels of sedentary behaviour. Using a person’s social support system may be an effective solution to help increase PA levels to improve mental and physical health outcomes. We will examine the efficacy of a group-based online intervention in increasing PA in first responders and their support partners, iteratively codesigned with advisors with lived experience of mental illness among first responders.MethodsThis study will recruit a convenience sample of self-identified sedentary first responders and their self-selected support partners to a 10-week PA programme delivered through a private Facebook group. We will deliver education on predetermined topics related to PA and diet and provide participants with an activity tracker (Fitbit). A stepped-wedged design will be applied to compare multiple baselines to intervention and follow-up phases within subjects. Five cohorts of n=20 will be recruited, with each cohort randomised to a different baseline length. Our primary outcome will be psychological distress (Kessler-6). Secondary outcomes include feasibility, self-report and objective PA data (Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire and Fitbit accelerometry), depression and anxiety (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 items), post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), quality of life Assessment of Quality of Life-6 dimensions, sleep quality (The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), suicidal ideation (Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale) and social support for exercise. The mobile data collection platform MetricWire will be used.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the University of New South Wales, Deupty Vice-Chancellor Research, Human Research Ethics Committee on 3 June 2019, HC180561. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at national conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12619000877189.

scholarly journals Investigation of relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and quality of life among firefighters in Birjand City at 2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Sadeghi khorashad ◽  
E Rezaieyan ◽  
A Abdolahnezhad
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Stress Disorders ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic

Introduction: Firefighters are at high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and that Quality of Life (QoL) is seriously compromised in individuals who have PTSD. This study was designed to assess the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorders and quality of life among firefighters. Materials and Methods: In this analytical and cross-sectional study, all firefighters in Birjand city were selected by census method (N = 96) in 2018. PTSD and QoL status was assessed by the Persian version of the Mississippi (Eshel) and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires, respectively. Using Cronbach's α, the Iranian version of these two scales' internal reliability has been reported to be 0.92 and more than 0.7, respectively. Data analysis using SPSS software version 21 and independent T-test, ANOVA, Tukey's test, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that most firefighters (70.5%) were suffered from moderate PTSD symptoms (79.2± 11.7). Based on the self-report scale, 53.7% of the firefighters rated their quality of life as Good, and 43.2% of the firefighters were satisfied with their health. Statistical analysis showed that there is a statistically significant inverse relationship between PTSD score and areas of mental health (P = 0.03), social relations (P = 0.002), and environmental health (P = 0.004). Between PTSD score and physical health, no statistically significant relationship was found (P = 0.08). Conclusion: This study has proven a high rate of PTSD among firefighters and its negative correlation with the quality of their life. However, most firefighters rated their health and quality of life as good. Implementing strategies to combat mental disorders among firefighters improves the quality of their life and increases their job productivity.

scholarly journals The dangers of inflation: memories of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder

2009 ◽  
Vol 194 (6) ◽  
pp. 479-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Greenberg ◽  
Simon Wessely
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Traumatic Incident

SummaryPeople who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are likely to find that their quality of life is substantially impaired. However, unlike other diagnoses, in order for clinicians to make a diagnosis of PTSD people have to be able to accurately recall the details of a traumatic incident. Yet recent evidence suggests that recall of such incidents is often unreliable. Clinicians should therefore exercise caution to avoid making inaccurate diagnoses.

Can children predict psychological recovery after injury?

2019 ◽  
Vol 105 (12) ◽  
pp. 1200-1202
Author(s):  
Eva Alisic ◽  
Shaminka N Mangelsdorf ◽  
Elizabeth J Schilpzand ◽  
Anna Barrett ◽  
Markus A Landolt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Psychological Recovery ◽  
Paediatric Care ◽  
Post Traumatic

While children’s voice is core to paediatric care, their own assessment of future psychological needs is underexplored. We conducted a prospective observational study among children hospitalised for injury in Melbourne, Australia. Their expectations of psychological recovery at baseline (in hospital) were significant and substantial predictors of their quality of life and post-traumatic stress 6 weeks later, suggesting potential diagnostic value.

Quality of life and depression during hospitalization for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to predict quality of life and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms at 6 months post-transplant.

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (29_suppl) ◽  
pp. 215-215
Author(s):  
Areej El-Jawahri ◽  
Harry VanDusen ◽  
Lara Traeger ◽  
Joel Fishbein ◽  
Tanya Keenan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic

215 Background: Patients undergoinghematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) experience a steep deterioration in quality of life (QOL) and mood during hospitalization for HCT. The impact of this deterioration on patients’ long-term QOL and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms is unknown. Methods: We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of patients hospitalized for HCT. At baseline (day-6), day+1, day+8, and 6 months post-HCT, we assessed QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplantation [FACT-BMT]) and mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]). We used the PTSD Checklist to assess for PTSD symptoms at 6 months. We used multivariable linear regression models to identify predictors of QOL and PTSD symptoms at 6 months post-HCT. Results: We enrolled 97% (90/93) of consecutively eligible patients undergoing autologous (n = 30), myeloablative allogeneic (n = 30), or reduced intensity allogeneic (n = 30) HCT. Overall, patients’ QOL at 6 months (mean FACT-BMT: 110, 95%CI [104-116]) recovered to baseline pre-transplant values (mean FACT-BMT: 110, 95% CI [107-115]). At 6 months, 28.4% of participants met provisional diagnostic criteria for PTSD, and 43.3% had clinically significant depression. In multivariable regression analyses adjusting for baseline QOL, mood, other covariates, change in QOL and depression scores during hospitalization for HCT predicted impaired QOL (DQOL β = 1.13, P < 0.0001, D HADS-depression β = 2.51, P = 0.001) and PTSD symptoms (DQOL β = 0.50, P < 0.0001, DHADS-depression β = 1.22, P < 0.0001) at 6 months post-HCT. Conclusions: While patients’ overall QOL at 6 months post-HCT returned to baseline values, a significant proportion met provisional diagnostic criteria for PTSD and depression. The decline in QOL and increase in depressive symptoms during hospitalization for HCT were the most important predictors of long-term QOL impairment and PTSD symptoms. Future studies should evaluate whether interventions to improve QOL and reduce psychological distress during HCT may improve long-term QOL and reduce the risk of PTSD symptoms.

scholarly journals (A196) Psychological Distress, Quality of Life and Post-Traumatic Stress among Tsunami Affected People with Disabilities

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s55-s55
Author(s):  
S. Satapathy ◽  
S. Kasi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Psychosocial Care ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Tsunami Disaster ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Main Effects

The study investigated psychological impact of tsunami of men and women with disabilities two years after the tsunami disaster. A total of 248 tsunami affected people with disabilities aged between 16 to 85 years were included in the final sample. And the sample consisted of 132 males with the men age 37.9 years, and 116 females with the men age 40.6 years. SRQ (psychological distress), IES (post-traumatic stress), WHO- DAS (psychosocial disability functioning) and QOL (quality of life) were administered. In addition to scale administration to 248 people, formal discussions were held with 27 mentally retarded people and their guardians/parents, thus making the total sample of 275. Main effects of gender were found significant on IES i.e. post-traumatic stress and main effects of type of disability was found significant on physical QOL, psychological QOL, and post-traumatic stress. Main effects of severity of disability was found significant on all variables. t-tests have been found out to study the inter group differences. All findings have been discussed in the light of supporting studies and theories. Long-term psychosocial and psychiatric interventions are suggested to be provided till the reconstruction and rebuilding phase continues, however, the challenge still remains for the strategy of mainstreaming disabled specific designed interventions within the community based psychosocial care services framework.

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