Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in students of Keyano College 18 months after a wildfire and to determine the predictors of likely MDD, GAD, and PTSD in the respondents. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was used to collect data through self-administered, paper-based questionnaires to determine likely MDD, GAD, and PTSD using the PHQ 9, GAD-7, and the PTSD Checklist for DSM 5, Part 3, respectively. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) using univariate analysis with chi-square tests. Results: Eighteen months after the wildfire, the 1-month prevalence rates for MDD, GAD, and PTSD among the college students were 23.4%, 18.7%, and 11.0%, respectively. There were statistically significant associations between multiple sociodemographic variables and the likelihood respondents presented with MDD, GAD, and PTSD 18 months after the wildfire. There were also associations between the likely MDD, GAD, and PTSD and abuse/dependence on alcohol and substances in respondents at 18 months. Conclusion: Our study has established prevalence rates for MDD, GAD, and PTDS among college students 18 months after the Fort McMurray wildfires. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of college-based mental health interventions on the long-term mental health effects of the wildfires.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 707-717 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 15 2021 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:Copyright © 2020 Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
PubMed: MeSH publication types
- Journal Article