Citation

Anwar J, Mpofu E, Matthews LR, Brock KE. J. Nerv. Ment. Dis. 2013; 201(12): 1045-1052.

Affiliation

*Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia; †World Health Organization, Pakistan; ‡Rehabilitation Counselling, Faculty of Health Sciences, §Ageing, Work and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, and ∥Epidemiology and Research Methods, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/NMD.0000000000000060

PMID

24284639

Abstract

This study sought to predict posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from women's reproductive health events after an earthquake experience. Data on antenatal care, pregnancy outcomes, family planning, socioeconomic status, earthquake experiences, and mental health were collected from a random sample of 425 women of reproductive age using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Reproductive Health Assessment Toolkit and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis to predict PTSD symptoms from posttrauma care variables and reproductive health events. Restricted social participation, use of temporary accommodation, pregnancy complications, and use of injectable contraceptives were significant risk factors of PTSD. These factors may be exacerbated by the social context of conservative societies, traditions about health care-seeking behavior, and access to health care. Antecedent reproductive health events influence women's reaction to major trauma including events such as an earthquake.

Language: en