The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with burn injuries, and their quality of life.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with burn injuries undergoing physical therapy, and to evaluate their quality of life. METHODS: A total of 21 patients who underwent physical therapy for burn injuries between October 2012 and December 2012, in the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of a Training and Research Hospital, were included in the study. The sociodemographic form for data collection, the Clinician- Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) for the diagnosis of PTSD, and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey for the assessment of the quality of life, were used. RESULTS: Eight patients (38.1%) had PTSD. These patients had poor physical functioning, and indicated a lower rate of role functioning-physical, vitality, and role functioning-social, compared to those without PTSD. However, it did not reach statistical significance. The physical functioning related to the quality of life was statistically significantly lower in the patients with contracture. CONCLUSIONS: PTSD seems to be an important health issue in patients with burn injuries. Clinicians who attempt to tailor treatment interventions should keep in mind that these patients require psychosocial rehabilitation, as well as physical therapy.