Post-traumatic stress syndrome in a large sample of older adults: determinants and quality of life

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of this study are to assess in a sample of older adults consulting in primary care practices the determinants and quality of life associated with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS).

Method: Data used came from a large sample of 1765 community-dwelling older adults who were waiting to receive health services in primary care clinics in the province of Quebec. PTSS was measured with the PTSS scale. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were used as potential determinants of PTSS. Quality of life was measured with the EuroQol-5D-3L (EQ-5D-3L) EQ-Visual Analog Scale and the Satisfaction With Your Life Scale. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were used to study the presence of PTSS and different measures of health-related quality of life and quality of life as a function of study variables.

Results: The six-month prevalence of PTSS was 11.0%. PTSS was associated with age, marital status, number of chronic disorders and the presence of an anxiety disorder. PTSS was also associated with the EQ-5D-3L and the Satisfaction with Your Life Scale.

Conclusion: PTSS is prevalent in patients consulting in primary care practices. Primary care physicians should be aware that PTSS is also associated with a decrease in quality of life, which can further negatively impact health status.

Keywords:

• post-traumatic stress syndrome
• determinants
• quality of life
• primary health care
• aging

Acknowledgements

Dr Vasiliadis was supported as a Junior II Research Scientist of the Fonds de la Recherche en Santé du Québec during the ESA-Services study.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The ESA-Services study was funded by the Fonds de la Recherche en Santé du Québec [reference: 16000].