A study into the present situation and factors influencing post-traumatic stress disorder in patients affected by venomous snake bites in Guizhou, China

Abstract

Objective: To examine the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder among patients who have experienced venomous snakebites and investigate the factors contributing to it. The results provided insights for devising suitable nursing interventions.

Methods: Between June 2022 and October 2023, a total of 128 snakebite patients from the Advanced Snakebite Rescue Center at a tertiary hospital in Guizhou Province were chosen as participants using convenience sampling. General Information Questionnaire, the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Simple Clinical Severity Assessment Scale, and the Swelling Severity Rating Scale (SSRS) were assessed at the time of admission, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) at 1 month after.

Results: The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among patients bitten by venomous snakes was found to be 67.97%, with an average PTSD score of 44.26±13.53. Various factors including cultural background, psychological resilience, social support, pain intensity, severity of snakebite, and degree of swelling were identified as influencing PTSD in these patients (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The incidence of PTSD was increased in individuals with venomous snakebites, particularly among those with lower literacy levels, reduced psychological resilience, limited access to social support, increased pain levels, severe snakebites, and significant swelling. Healthcare professionals should address PTSD in patients with snakebites and implement preventive interventions targeting these high-risk factors to mitigate the occurrence of PTSD in this patient population.