Survey of Psychiatric Disorders and Quality of Life among Kaohsiung Gas Explosion Victims 12 Months after the Event

Abstract

Journal of Psychiatry AbstractObjective: To investigate the probable disaster-related psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive episodes (MDEs) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and quality of life (QoL) in survivors of a fossil fuel gas explosion in Taiwan with a long-term follow-up twelve months after the event.Methods: We used two screening tools, including the Disaster-Related Psychological Screening Test (DRPST) and Short Form 12v2 (SF-12v2), to survey a representative sample of 486 participants (average age: 42.89 ± 16.05 years; M: 255, average age: 40.68 ± 15.92 years; F: 231; average age: 45.32 ± 16.20 years) twelve months after the event.Results: Twelve months post-gas explosion, probable PTSD, probable MDE, probable PTSD and MDE, and non-PTSD or non-MDE (non-P or M) were present in 50 (10.3%), 14 (2.9%), 34 (7.0%), and 388 (79.8%) participants, respectively. The significant risk factors of probable PTSD or MDE and QoL in survivors were older age, female sex, physical injury, occupation, educational level, financial problems, probable PTSD and probable MDE. Conclusion:Survivors still exhibited an increased prevalence of psychiatric impairment, and their quality of life was affected after twelve months. Thus, mental rehabilitation requires not only short-term intervention but also long-term follow-up and regular psychiatric management.

Quality of Life Among Geriatric Community Members Following the Kaohsiung Gas Explosion: A 5-Year Cross-Sectional Study

“…12,14 Furthermore, the persistence of long-term financial problems is one of many important factors affecting QoL. 1,2,12 In a previous study, 1 we found that the prevalence of a probable major depressive episode and PTSD increased after the explosion, and that older age was a significant risk factor for probable psychiatric impairment. Other previous studies have also found a negative association between postdisaster psychopathologic outcomes and QoL.…”

“…This survey was a follow-up to previous surveys on this population conducted at 6, 12, and 18 months after the event. [1][2][3] Our hypotheses were that the disaster would have changed the concepts of security and distribution of resources among the members of the community, findings that could have implications for the provision of mental rehabilitation. 45,46 Insights concerning the QOL of elderly individuals could also be applicable to other age groups.…”

“…The incident resulted in 372 casualties, including 32 deaths and 340 serious injuries. [1][2][3] As many studies [4][5][6][7][8] have shown, disaster-related psychiatric diagnoses increase significantly after accidents and markedly influence the physical and psychological wellbeing of victims. 4,9 This issue continues to receive attention in trauma outcome research.…”

“…10 Many studies have shown that disaster-related psychological trauma significantly impacts the QoL of survivors. 1,2,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] The relationship between QoL and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following disasters has been widely studied, and high levels of posttraumatic stress have been shown to negatively impact QoL among earthquake and hurricane survivors. 8,19 Although the prevalence of PTSD tends to decrease over time among survivors, the rates of PTSD from injuries have been found to increase over time because of delayed onset or repercussions from the traumatic event (eg, job loss, health problems).…”

“…33 HRQoL can be assessed by a composite measure of physical and psychological QoL, such as the Short Form-12 or Short Form-36 Health Survey. [37][38][39][40] As previous studies have shown, [1][2][3] early detection and assistance can reduce the incidence of problems and improve the QoL of participants and individuals. Furthermore, long-term follow-up is necessary for mental rehabilitation.…”