Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Rescuers at Risk

Completed

• Conditions: Self Efficacy; Trauma; PTSD; Suicidal Ideation; Coping Skills

• Registration Number: NCT03842553
• Lead Sponsor: University of Bern

Brief Summary

This cross-sectional, anonymous online survey aims to examine how salient variables influence PTSS, well-being, and suicidal ideation across the following professions of rescue workers: firefighters, ambulance personnel, police officers, and emergency and psychiatric nurses. PTSS, coping strategies, well-being, suicidal ideation, previously experienced and work-related trauma, and self-efficacy were measured and analyzed using multiple regression and structural equation modeling.

Detailed Description

Employees of rescue and emergency services are at a risk of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) due to exposure to trauma and work-related stressors. Salient predictors for the development of PTSS among rescue workers have been identified; however, little is known about how predictors (e.g. coping strategies) differ among professions requiring repeated engagement in emergencies. The present survey examines how these variables influence PTSS, well-being, and suicidal ideation across different professions of rescue Workers using multiple regression and structural equation modeling.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2014-06
• Primary Completion: 2015-05
• Study Completion: 2015-05
• Study First Submitted: 2019-02-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2019-02-12
• Study First Posted: 2019-02-15
• Status Verified: 2019-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2019-03-19
• Last Update Posted: 2019-03-22

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 1001

Inclusion Criteria

Employee at the rescue or emergency services. The participation in the anonymous online study is voluntary and promoted by the department heads at the places of work corresponding to the studied professions. No ethical approval is needed as the survey was voluntary and anonymous and participants gave consent to use the data with their participation.

Exclusion Criteria

• None

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
PTSS-10	at baseline	Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms assessed with the Post Traumatic Symptom Scale, a self-rating scale used in screening and follow-up studies on catastrophe that measures the most common posttraumatic symptoms (sleep disorders, nightmares, fear of reminders, etc.)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Suicidal Ideation	within the last 12 months before the survey	Participants were asked if they had suicidal ideation in the 12 months prior to the questionnaire
Psychological distress and psychiatric disorders	at baseline	German Version of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). The 53-item self-report questionnaire measures symptoms of general psychopathology.
Well-being	at baseline	Mental well-being assessed with the German version of the shortest General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12). Psychological distress and psychiatric disorders were assessed with the German Version of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern; 🇨🇭 Bern, Switzerland