Investigate of Coping Strategies and Social Supports are Associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Saudi Paramedics 2023

Abstract

Background:

     Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can manifest in individuals following a traumatic event. There is a paucity of studies focusing on PTSD symptoms in Saudi paramedics. Risk factors exploring the link between trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder have been extensively explored in Saudi paramedics, however, less is known about Saudi paramedics. Ambulance personnel experience many critical events that may increase their risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health disorders. In the previous literature, some studies show that the prevalence of PTSD in ambulance workers is higher than that of other first responders and that ambulance personnel in developing countries have a higher prevalence of PTSD than those in developed countries, post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized by severe psychological responses to a traumatic event, such as an earthquake, a war, or sexual assault. Specific clusters of symptoms exist in PTSD, including trauma-related intrusive thoughts and memories, avoidance tactics, and hyper arousal. Individuals with PTSD reported a decline in physical, mental, and social function, in addition to reduced quality of life.

Aim of the study: To Investigate of coping strategies and social supports are associated with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in Saudi paramedics 2023.

Method: Data were collected from 200 paramedics working in the Saudi Red Crescent Authority from September to December 2023. Participants completed questionnaires measuring PTSD symptoms (the Screen of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders; SPTSD), passive and active coping strategies, and three forms of social support: support from friends, family and organizational support. Associations between coping strategies, social support and PTSD symptoms were investigated.

Results: Show regarding age majority of the study groups from the 40-49 years were (33.0%) the gender many of the respondents were male (85.0 %) the marital status the majority of them married were (42.0%) the education status the majority of the respondents bachelor paramedic were (43.0%) the monthly income the most of participant <8000 were (42.0%) the nationality the majority of the respondents Saudi were (89.0%) while Non-Saudi were (11.0%) .

Conclusion: post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in Saudi paramedics should be paid attention to. Social support adjustments were positive resources associated with PTSD symptoms. Moreover, mental adjustment could mediate the relation between social support and PTSD symptoms .