The Medical Journal of Basrah University

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background Post traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by the emergence of core symptoms of
the disorder after exposure to an extreme traumatic experience. Traumatic events that may cause Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder includes violent assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, torture, being a hostage, prisoner of war,
experiencing a disaster, violent automobile accidents or getting a life threatening illness.
Methodology A cross-sectional study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of trauma and probable Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder among the students of Basrah Medical College in 2007. A sample of 60 students was
selected randomly from each class.
A special questionnaire form was developed for the purpose of the study, containing the self – rating inventory for
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Results The results of the present study showed that 238 (66.1%) students had reported being exposed to traumatic
event during their life. The percentage of females who were exposed to trauma was slightly higher than that of males
(67.8% vs 64.4%). Out of the total studied students, 211 (58.6%) students fulfilled the symptom criteria for Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder, thus assessed as probable Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.