Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology – To Archeio https://toarcheio.org To Archeio project site Thu, 30 Apr 2020 12:52:11 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.1 Who is going to rescue the rescuers? Post-traumatic stress disorder among rescue workers operating in Greece during the European refugee crisis https://toarcheio.org/items/who-is-going-to-rescue-the-rescuers-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-among-rescue-workers-operating-in-greece-during-the-european-refugee-crisis/ Tue, 16 Apr 2019 22:25:52 +0000 http://arc.local/items/who-is-going-to-rescue-the-rescuers-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-among-rescue-workers-operating-in-greece-during-the-european-refugee-crisis/ Continued]]> PURPOSE:
During the European refugee crisis, numerous Greek and international rescue workers are operating in Lesvos, offering search, rescue, and first aid services. Exposure to stressful life events while engaging in this rescue work can result in developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study aimed to assess the prevalence of PTSD and explore potential differences between different categories of rescuers.

METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 217 rescue workers. Participants were grouped according to affiliation: “Greek Professionals Rescuers/GPR”, “International Professionals Rescuers/IPR” and “Volunteer Rescuers/VR”. The PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) was utilized. All tests were two-tailed (a = 0.05). Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and multivariate logistic regression were performed.

RESULTS:
Overall probable PTSD prevalence found was 17.1%. Rates varied significantly per rescuer’s category; 23.1% in GPR, 11.8% in IPR, and 14.6% in VR (p = 0.02). GPR demonstrated the highest risk compared to IPR and VR (p < 0.001). Females had approximately two times higher risk. Other significant risk factors included marital status, age, and number of children. Lack of previous experience, longer operation period, longer shift hours, and handling dead refugees and dead children were also considered major risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS:
Rescue workers providing substantial aid to the refugees and migrants at Lesvos experience significant psychological distress. The present findings indicate the urgent need for targeted interventions. Further studies are needed to address long-term effects of the refugee crisis on rescuers, and explore effective measures to prevent PTSD.

]]> Enduring financial crisis in Greece: prevalence and correlates of major depression and suicidality https://toarcheio.org/items/enduring-financial-crisis-in-greece-prevalence-and-correlates-of-major-depression-and-suicidality/ Tue, 16 Apr 2019 22:25:40 +0000 http://arc.local/items/enduring-financial-crisis-in-greece-prevalence-and-correlates-of-major-depression-and-suicidality/ Continued]]> PURPOSE:
A series of repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013 were conducted with the aim of estimating the prevalence of major depression and suicidality as well as of investigating its risk factors. The present report concentrates on the 2013 survey.

METHODS:
A random and representative sample of 2.188 people was telephone interviewed with regard to various socio-economic indicators and the presence of major depression and suicidality, which were assessed with the germane module of the Structured Clinical Interview.

RESULTS:
Findings suggest a rise in 1-month prevalence of major depression (12.3 %) and a decline in prevalence of suicidality (2.8 %). Female gender, residence in rural area, low educational attainment, unemployment and economic hardship were found to increase the odds of suffering from major depression. The influence of economic hardship and unemployment on suicidality was also substantial and independent of major depression.

CONCLUSIONS:
Results stress the imperative need for the design and implementation of social policies and interventions that would offset the dire impact of the sustained recession in Greece.

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