Longitudinal study of probable post-traumatic stress disorder in firefighters exposed to the World Trade Center disaster

2010 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 1177-1185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Berninger ◽  
Mayris P. Webber ◽  
Justin K. Niles ◽  
Jackson Gustave ◽  
Roy Lee ◽  
...  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Erin Takemoto ◽  
Katherine R. Van Oss ◽  
Shadi Chamany ◽  
Jennifer Brite ◽  
Robert Brackbill

Abstract Background Among Veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been shown to be associated with obesity and accelerated weight gain. Less is known among the general population. We sought to determine the impact of PTSD on body mass index (BMI) and weight change among individuals with exposure to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster. Methods We examined individuals from the WTC Health Registry. PTSD symptoms were assessed on multiple surveys (Waves 1–4) using the PTSD Checklist-Specific. Three categories of post-9/11 PTSD were derived: no, intermittent, and persistent. We examined two outcomes: (1) Wave 3 BMI (normal, overweight, and obese) and (2) weight change between Waves 3 and 4. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the association between PTSD and BMI (N = 34 958) and generalized estimating equations to assess the impact of PTSD on weight change (N = 26 532). Sex- and age-stratified analyses were adjusted for a priori confounders. Results At Wave 3, the observed prevalence of obesity was highest among the persistent (39.5%) and intermittent PTSD (36.6%) groups, compared to the no PTSD group (29.3%). In adjusted models, persistent and intermittent PTSD were consistently associated with a higher odds of obesity. Weight gain was similar across all groups, but those with persistent and intermittent PTSD had higher estimated group-specific mean weights across time. Conclusions Our findings that those with a history of PTSD post-9/11 were more likely to have obesity is consistent with existing literature. These findings reaffirm the need for an interdisciplinary focus on physical and mental health to improve health outcomes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 625-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Gargano ◽  
Kimberly Caramanica ◽  
Sarah Sisco ◽  
Robert M. Brackbill ◽  
Steven D. Stellman

AbstractObjectiveIn a population with prior exposure to the World Trade Center disaster, this study sought to determine the subsequent level of preparedness for a new disaster and how preparedness varied with population characteristics that are both disaster-related and non-disaster-related.MethodsThe sample included 4496 World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees who completed the Wave 3 (2011-2012) and Hurricane Sandy (2013) surveys. Participants were considered prepared if they reported possessing at least 7 of 8 standard preparedness items. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between preparedness and demographic and medical factors, 9/11-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessed at Wave 3, 9/11 exposure, and social support.ResultsOver one-third (37.5%) of participants were prepared with 18.8% possessing all 8 items. The item most often missing was an evacuation plan (69.8%). Higher levels of social support were associated with being prepared. High levels of 9/11 exposure were associated with being prepared in both the PTSD and non-PTSD subgroups.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that prior 9/11 exposure favorably impacted Hurricane Sandy preparedness. Future preparedness messaging should target people with low social support networks. Communications should include information on evacuation zones and where to find information about how to evacuate. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:625–633)


2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 723-731 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Mindlis ◽  
E. Morales-Raveendran ◽  
E. Goodman ◽  
K. Xu ◽  
C. Vila-Castelar ◽  
...  

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