Low post-traumatic stress disorder rate in Chinese in Beijing, China

Asian J Psychiatr. 2017 Dec:30:79-83. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2017.07.003. Epub 2017 Jul 4.

Abstract

Object: There have been significantly fewer community-based, epidemiological studies focusing on PTSD and its socio-demographic correlates among the Chinese than Western populations.

Method: The multistage household cluster random sampling method was used to select participants from18 districts and counties in Beijing; a total of 16,032 participants were assessed; face-to-face interviews and data collection was conducted using the semi-structured clinical interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders-Patient Edition (SCID-I/P).

Result: The lifetime PTSD prevalence was 0.3%. Older age, low educational level, low personal monthly income, urban living, unemployment and being a farmer were all significantly associated with an increased risk of PTSD. Multivariate analysis showed that farmers and the unemployed were significantly associated with a higher risk for PTSD.

Conclusions: The prevalence rates of PTSD in Beijing were low compared with that of Western countries. Farming occupation and unemployment were independent risk factors for PTSD.

Keywords: Beijing; China; Community sample; PTSD; Socio-demographic.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Beijing / epidemiology
  • Farmers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology*
  • Unemployment / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult