PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IN COLOMBIA

Abstract

Objective: Estimate the prevalence of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Colombian population and associated risk factors by using the PCL modified scale. Methods: Information was gathered from the National Mental Health Survey, adults who suffered, witnessed or were near people who have had stressing events, were selected. The prevalence of PTSD was calculated with 95% confidence. The association between the studied variables and PTSD prevalence was evaluated by performing a Pearson chi-squared X² test. Results: Prevalence of PTSD was 2.9 (95% CI = [2.3 – 3.6]) for the Colombian population. This study found an association with some risk factors, which were divided into different categories: sociodemographic, childhood development, life course, and chronic diseases. Among these, absolute poverty, educational level, and self-reported support networks are factors with a greater association for PTSD development. Conclusion: PTSD has a greater prevalence in Colombia, compared to the literature found world-wide. These results raise the need for planning public health interventions for the prevention and time-efficient approach for the associated factors that develop this disorder.