Exploring the relationship between snake bites and post-traumatic stress disorder: A prospective study on associated factors.
Snakebite envenomation is a major public health issue in tropical regions like South India, yet its psychological consequences, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), remain underexplored.
To evaluate mental health outcomes and identify risk factors for PTSD among snakebite survivors.
This prospective observational study enrolled 98 adult snakebite patients at a tertiary care center, selected based on inclusion criteria and data completion. Sociodemographic, bite incident, and clinical data were collected via semi-structured interviews. PTSD severity was assessed longitudinally over 6 months using the short PTSD rating interview (SPRINT) scale. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyzed associations between variables and PTSD.
Of the 98 participants, 38.78% developed PTSD (21.43% mild, 15.31% moderate, 2.04% severe). Significant associations with PTSD included rural residence (P = 0.012, OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.16-3.39), venomous snakebites (P < 0.001, OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.32-4.56), bite site (P = 0.003), loss of consciousness (P = 0.002, OR = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.67-5.83), and delayed hospital arrival (>4 hours, P = 0.004, OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.45-5.76).
PTSD is a significant concern among snakebite survivors, with identifiable risk factors. Integrated care combining medical and psychological interventions is essential for recovery. Future longitudinal studies and targeted interventions are needed.
To evaluate mental health outcomes and identify risk factors for PTSD among snakebite survivors.
This prospective observational study enrolled 98 adult snakebite patients at a tertiary care center, selected based on inclusion criteria and data completion. Sociodemographic, bite incident, and clinical data were collected via semi-structured interviews. PTSD severity was assessed longitudinally over 6 months using the short PTSD rating interview (SPRINT) scale. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyzed associations between variables and PTSD.
Of the 98 participants, 38.78% developed PTSD (21.43% mild, 15.31% moderate, 2.04% severe). Significant associations with PTSD included rural residence (P = 0.012, OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.16-3.39), venomous snakebites (P < 0.001, OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.32-4.56), bite site (P = 0.003), loss of consciousness (P = 0.002, OR = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.67-5.83), and delayed hospital arrival (>4 hours, P = 0.004, OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.45-5.76).
PTSD is a significant concern among snakebite survivors, with identifiable risk factors. Integrated care combining medical and psychological interventions is essential for recovery. Future longitudinal studies and targeted interventions are needed.