Prevalence and Risk Factors for Acute Posttraumatic Stress Disorder during the COVID-19 Outbreak

Abstract

Abstract Background To exam the prevalence of and risk factors for acute posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Chinese people shortly after the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods An online questionnaire survey was conducted between 30 January and 3 February, 2020. The survey included two self-administered questionnaires: one was designed to require participants’ personal information (gender, age, education background), current location, recent epidemic area contact history, the classification of population, and subjective sleep quality; the other was the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Results A total of 2091 Chinese participated in this study. The prevalence of PTSD among the Chinese public one month after the COVID-19 outbreak was 4.6%. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that gender ( p < 0.001), epidemic area contact history ( p = 0.047), classification of population ( p < 0.001), and subjective sleep quality ( p < 0.001) could be regarded as predictor factors for PTSD. Limitations First, the majority of participants in this study were the general public, and confirmed or suspected patients being a small part. Second, the measurement of PTSD might be vulnerable to selection bias because of an online self-report study, such as participants’ recruitment. Third, the prevalence of PTSD in this study was estimated by an online questionnaire rather than a clinical interview. Conclusions The results revealed that some Chinese showed acute PTSD during the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, comprehensive psychological intervention needs further implementation. Furthermore, females, people who having recent epidemic area contact history, those at high risk of infection or with poor sleep quality deserve special attention.