Study explores factors contributing to post-traumatic mental health symptoms among urban black men



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Although an injury is unexpected and acute, it can lead to health problems and long-term disability. Nearly half of patients experience post-traumatic depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the months following an injury, which increases recovery, optimization, disability and disability. costs of care. For patients as well as urban black men, some of whom have already experienced trauma, childhood and disadvantage in the neighborhood, acute post-traumatic stress reactions are exacerbated.

Addressing the psychological effects of an injury can improve health and reduce the negative consequences of the injury. Yet, in a national survey, only seven per cent of trauma centers routinely screen for symptoms of PTSD.

An original investigation from the University of Pennsylvania Nursing School (Penn Nursing) explores the risk and protective factors that contribute to post-traumatic mental health symptoms among black men living in Urban. It shows that men with violent vs. non-violent injuries show more serious symptoms of mental health after injury. More importantly, it shows the need to take into account past experiences of life, such as negative childhood experiences, neighborhood disadvantage, pre-injury health and psychological resources, in addition to Acute stress responses to an injury, to identify the most exposed injured patients. for poor mental health outcomes after injury.

The intersection of past trauma and adversity, prior exposure to a hard neighborhood disadvantage, and poor health and functioning of pre-trauma should not be overlooked in the management of Acute trauma when badessing the risk of post-traumatic mental health symptoms. "

Principal Investigator Therese S. Richmond, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, Professor of Nursing Andrea B. Laporte and Vice-Dean, Research and Innovation

The results of the study should be published in a future issue of JAMA Surgery in an article entitled "Contributors to mental health after injury in black men living in cities with serious injuries".

The three-and-a-half year study focused on the results obtained in more than 600 black men living in the city who were hospitalized for a serious injury. Researchers followed study participants for three months after discharge from hospital to treat symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress. Nearly half of the study participants met the diagnostic criteria for depression and / or PTSD at follow-up.

"This study adopts a life-course approach, helps to inform potential intervention points to improve outcomes, and adds to the understanding of risk and protective factors throughout the life course in life." an under-studied group at high risk of injury, "said Richmond. "We need to integrate psychological care into the very essence of trauma care if we want to improve outcomes as a result of serious injuries." As the symptoms appear after discharge from the hospital, it is necessary to develop and to use screening instruments designed to predict the future course of post-traumatic mental health problems. " focus services on the most exposed patients. "

Source:

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

Journal reference:

Richmond, T.S. et al. (2019) Contributing to mental health after injury in black men living in cities with serious injuries. JAMA surgery. doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2019.1622.

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