Post-traumatic stress disorder among individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury in Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-023-00566-6 · Published: March 14, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study investigates PTSD among individuals with traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) in Nepal. It seeks to understand how factors like demographics and injury characteristics relate to PTSD. The research involved 163 patients with TSCI in Nepal. Researchers used a PTSD checklist to assess the prevalence of PTSD and analyzed the data to identify factors that predict PTSD development. The findings indicate that PTSD is prevalent among individuals with TSCI in Nepal, and certain demographic factors, such as gender, family type, literacy, and caste, are associated with a higher risk of developing PTSD.

Study Duration

June 2019 to May 2021

Participants

163 individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
The overall prevalence of PTSD among individuals with TSCI in Nepal was found to be 27%.
2
Female gender was a significant predictor of PTSD, with a higher prevalence among females (35%) compared to males (22%).
3
Individuals from nuclear families had a higher chance (47%) of developing PTSD compared to those from joint families (24%).

Research Summary

This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and predictors of PTSD among individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in Nepal. The study found a PTSD prevalence of 27% among TSCI patients, with significant associations between PTSD and gender, family type, ethnicity, and literacy rate. The research suggests that personal variables are more influential than clinical characteristics in the development of PTSD among individuals with TSCI and highlights the need for early detection and treatment.

Practical Implications

Early Identification

Healthcare providers should closely examine personal variables such as gender, family type, literacy, and caste to identify individuals at higher risk for PTSD following TSCI.

Psychosocial Support

Providing targeted psychosocial support and interventions to vulnerable groups, such as females, individuals from nuclear families, and those with lower literacy, can help mitigate the risk of developing PTSD.

Policy Development

Policymakers should consider social determinants of mental health when developing rehabilitation programs and support services for individuals with TSCI to address the unique challenges faced by different demographic groups.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of information about PTSD stressors and prior traumatic events may have introduced confounding bias.
2
Observer or interviewer bias may have occurred due to physiotherapists or doctors conducting interviews.
3
Cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish a causal relationship between SCI and PTSD.

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