Predictors of Psychological Distress Among Young Burn Survivors Over Three Years: A Longitudinal Cohort Study from India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v25i2.885Keywords:
burn injury, psychological distress, PTSD, longitudinal study, India, rehabilitationAbstract
Purpose: This study investigates long-term psychological distress and its predictors among young burn survivors over a three-year period. Design: A longitudinal cohort study with four waves of follow-up interviews conducted between November 2015 and June 2018.Methods:A total of 180 burn survivors (mean age = 23 years) were assessed beginning six months post-injury (baseline) and annually for three years. Psychological distress and related constructs were measured using validated tools including the Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), Startle, Physiological Arousal, Anger, and Numbness Scale (SPAN-4), and Impact of Event Scale (IES-6). Additional variables included demographic data, family functioning, care needs, and life disturbance measures. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Pearson correlation, stepwise regression, and generalized estimating equations (GEE). Findings:SPAN-4 scores explained more than 62% of variance in psychological distress across all time points. Significant predictors included PTSD-like symptoms, depression, family functioning impairment, hypnotics use, adaptation to post-burn life, and IES-6 scores. Follow-up year was not a significant predictor. Conclusions: Psychological distress persists up to three years post-burn, with PTSD-like symptoms, depression, and anxiety being the most prominent contributors. Risk factors vary across recovery phases. Clinical Relevance: Long-term psychological monitoring and multidisciplinary rehabilitation are essential for burn survivors, with targeted interventions addressing PTSD, depression, and social reintegration.
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