Prevalence and predictors of PTSD, depression and posttraumatic growth among Chinese firefighters

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to investigate the psychological state of firefighters and to provide suggestions for working with firefighters in order to improve their mental health for the long term.

Methods: A questionnaire packet on depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and posttraumatic growth (PTG) was given to firefighters studying in a firefighter school of Nanjing to complete. A total of 409 valid questionnaires were retrieved.

Results: (1) The prevalence of depression, PTSD, and PTG were 27.94%, 4.89% and 59.41% respectively. (2) Firefighters whose major were Information Communication and Equipment Safety reported higher levels of depression and PTSD compared to firefighters in other majors [F (3, 386) = 5.43, p < 0.001; F (3, 386) = 4.57, p < 0.01]. (3) There was no significant difference in PTG scores regardless of the majors and the length of military service of firefighters [F (3, 386) = 0.52, p > 0.05; F (3, 386) = 0.29, p > 0.05].

Conclusion: Firefighters did have a certain level of mental stress in their lives, and the mental stress levels were significantly different among firefighters with different majors and length of military service.

Keywords: Depression; Firefighters; PTG; PTSD.