Posttraumatic symptoms were worst among quake victims with injuries following the Chi-chi quake in Taiwan

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychological health status among earthquake victims 1 year after the quake.

Two hundred and seventy-two quake victims from temporary housing units were interviewed. Posttraumatic symptoms was assessed using the Davidson Trauma Scale, Chinese version (DTS-C). Psychological health status was measured using the Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ).

The percentage of posttraumatic symptoms was 16.5%. Fifty-seven percent of the victims were found to have psychological problems using the CHQ. Posttraumatic symptoms and psychological problems were more prevalent among women (22.2% and 64%), compared with men (9.2% and 47.9%). Posttraumatic symptoms and CHQ total scores were highest among 25- to 44-year-olds, and lowest in the over-60-year group. Based on linear and logistic regression models, age and injury were the only two factors that significantly affected posttraumatic symptoms and CHQ total scores.

Consistent with the previous studies, it is vitally important to continue providing psychological counseling and social support for quake victims, particularly victims who sustained an injury.