Objective To examine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression for medical staffs who took part in rescue in the disaster area after Wenchuan Earthquake. Methods According to purpose sampling method, from June 12th to June 18th, we investigated the medical staffs in eight areas, and the total number was 500. The eight areas included Mianzhu, Deyang, Shifang, Chengdu, Mianyang, Pengzhou, Zitong, and Anxian. The survey tools were PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). After collecting all questionnaires, we divided 500 medical staffs into 2 groups, according to the fact whether the rescue was carried out in the disaster area or not. Results A total of 500 questionnaires were given to the subjects, of which 481 effective ones were collected, and the effective rate was about 96.2%. In addition, the prevalence of PTSD for overall was 23.3%, anxiety was 21.6%, depression was 49.9%, and the anxiety plus depression was 19.54%. At the same time, we found out the averages of PCL-C (48.29±29.90 vs. 34.76±18.03), PCL-C frequency (16.27±15.14 vs. 9.99±10.25), PCL-C severity (32.03±15.26 vs. 24.85±8.60), SAS primitive (37.39±10.35 vs. 32.22±7.61), SAS standard (46.73±12.94 vs. 40.27±9.51), SDS primitive (42.00±8.32 vs. 37.99±9.63), and SDS standard (52.50±10.39 vs. 47.48±11.92) were different. The medical staffs in the disaster area were under more severe conditions, and there were significant differences between the 2 groups. The prevalence of PTSD (28.52% vs. 16.59), anxiety (28.89% vs. 12.32%), depression (58.15% vs. 39.34%), and anxiety plus depression (26.67% vs. 10.43%) between the 2 groups was significantly different, and the disaster area was under severe conditions. Additionally, the prevalences at three levels within SAS and SDS were much higher in the disaster area. There were also significant differences. Conclusion The prevalences of PTSD, SAS, and SDS within medical staffs who took part in rescue in the disaster area after Wenchuan Earthquake are higher than in the non-disaster area. Therefore, we should work out mental intervention and rehabilitation project for medical staffs, especially those who took part in rescue in the disaster area. Finally, the medical staffs’ ability to copy with stress can be improved.
Objective To analyze the performance of epidemic prevention in Sichuan Province after Wenchuan earthquake, so as to provide references for future epidemic prevention when such emergencies occur. Methods Data about the relief work after the Wenchuan earthquake were collected from the archives of medical care assurance group of the anti-seismic and disaster relief headquarter. And then the data were classified and analyzed. Results After the Wenchuan earthquake, the strategies of epidemic prevention included emphasis on both epidemic prevention and medical relief, early implementation of hygienic measures, wide coverage of different measures for disease prevention with focuses on the most important diseases, as well as standardization and long lasting of epidemic prevention efforts. Owing to these strategies, the epidemic prevention in Sichuan Province was conducted vigorously, orderly and effectively. Conclusion The post-quake epidemic prevention strategies in Sichuan Province are accurate and effective, which could be recommended when such emergencies occur in the future.
Objective To retrospectively analyze the characteristics and death causes among the Wenchuan earthquake victims in The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu so as to provide information for reducing mortality in future earthquake disasters. Methods The analysis was based on the data provided by the Department of Information, the Medical Record Library, and the Emergency Room of the hospital through July 12. Microsoft EXCEL was used for data input and SPSS 13.0 was used for statistical analyses. Results Through July 12, 9 (1.57%) out of the 575 wounded patients died, comprising 3 males and 6 females. Of those, 5 died in the outpatient department. The death causes were all related to severe cerebral injuries. The other 4 died in the inpatient department and the death causes were related to severe underlying illnesses and infection. Conclusion Screening and early treatment for cerebral injuries is very important in the period directly following the earthquake. Later, more attention should be paid to the treatment of underlying illnesses as well as the prevention and control of infection.
Objective To analyze stress-related disorders and the effect of crisis prevention in 54 females admitted to the Female Psychiatry Department of The Third Hospital of Mianyang City after the Wenchuan earthquake. Methods The patients were assessed with BPRS, HAMD, HAMA, and BPMS scales. According to their clinical manifestations, antipsychiatric, antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antimanic treatment were administered to them. All patients received cognitive-behavior and psychological therapy and were assessed after one month. Results Although all patients were earthquake sufferers, their clinical manifestations varied. Strengthened crisis prevention combined with appropriate drug treatment alleviated their symptoms. Conclusion In terms of alleviating symptoms, curtailing disease course, and facilitating mental rehabilitation, post-catastrophe crisis prevention is extremely important for female patients with stress-related disorders.
Objective To summarize the cl inical characteristics of 596 patients with fracture in Wenchuan earthquake and to investigate the therapeutic methods and effects of early treatment. Methods From May 12th 2008 to May 21st 2008, 596 patients with fracture caused by Wenchuan earthquake were treated, including 283 males and 313 females aged1.9-102 years (median 43 years). The time from injury to hospital ization varied from 12 minutes to 4 days. There were 132 cases of upper extremity fracture, 496 cases lower extremity fracture, 10 cases clavicular fracture, 16 cases scapular fracture, 23 cases pelvis fracture, and 59 cases spinal fracture. Among them, 183 cases were open fracture and 413 cases were closed fracture. And 214 cases had multiple fracture (35.9%) and 68 cases had crush injury in l imbs which scored (6.84 ± 2.48) points according to the mangled extremity severity score (MESS). Thirty-six cases were combined with neurovascular injury. The wound of the open fracture was contaminated at different degrees, but no gas gangrene was observed. Open fracture was treated with suturing or no suturing after debridement, open reduction and internal or external fixation. Closed fracture was fixed with spl ints, cast and traction. Forty-nine patients whom were highly suspected as osseous fascia compartment syndrome received incision decompression timely, and 34 patients whose MESS were above 7.0 points or suffering from crush injury of l ifethreatening systemic symptoms received amputation. Results Apart from 34 patients receiving amputation, 460 patients achieved functional reduction of fracture after manipulative reduction and 102 cases got satisfactory reduction after surgery. Postoperatively, 289 patients were transferred to other hospitals. Among the rest 307 patients, 34 with severe wound infection were healed after multiple debridement, anti-infection, and skin flap transplantation (16 cases healed by first intention and 18 cases healed by second intention), 42 cases with crush syndrome were treated with open decompression and amputation, and nodeep venous thrombosis of lower l imb, stress ulcer and death were observed after operation (29 cases healed by first intention and 13 cases healed by second intention). Conclusion By aiming at the features of fracture caused by earthquake, the prompt and professional treatment can achieve good therapeutic effects.
Shortly after the disastrous Wenchuan earthquake, a harmonious working environment for healthcare professionals both at home and abroad has been formed in West China Hospital, under an integrated managerial framework and working model. Four foreign medical teams consisting of over 70 professionals and foreign medical materials weighing about 8 tons have been accepted. This model may provide references for the reception of foreign medical teams during the emergent medical rescue for any unexpected event in the future.
To retrospectively summarize the medical rescue organization and strategy of West China Hospital medical team during the Wenchuan earthquake so as to provide reference for rescue practice in the future. We emphasize that the key point to improve the efficiency of rescue is scientifically assigning and util izing medical resource according to the demand at the actual locale of the earthquake and the characters of various stages of the earthquake .
Objective To investigate the quality of life (QOL) of Beichuan cadres 1 year after Wenchuan earthquake, so as to provide references for promoting psychological intervention and improving QOL. Methods With the adoption of WHOQOL-BREF, questionnaire survey on basic conditions of cadre victims, and PCL-C scale, cross-section survey was conducted for 2 055 cadres of Beichuan public institutions in aspects of their QOL, social demographic characteristics and psychological trauma. Results a) Compared with domestic norm, although the Beichuan cadres had higher score in social relation domain (14.31 ± 2.59, Plt;0.01), their QOL scores in each dimensions (physical domain score: 14.16 ± 2.43; psychological domain score: 13.79 ± 2.59, environmental domain score: 11.20 ± 2.74) were lower with significant difference (Plt;0.01); b) The group with population under the age of 30 scored higher than other age groups in the psychological and environmental domains; men scored higher than women in the psychological domain; the widowed group scored lower than other groups in all domains; the Han nationality group scored higher than the Qiang nationality group in all domains; the primary education group scored lower than other groups in the social relation domain; the group with relatives, houses and physical loss or damage scored lower than the non-loss group in all domains; and the higher the score in PCL-C, the lower the scores in all domains (all Plt;0.05). Conclusion Beichuan cadres are severely affected in their physical, psychological and environmental domains even one year after Wenchuan earthquake, especially the female, the Qiang nationality, the old, the lost, and the psychological injured cadres are more badly affected with worse QOL, so those population should be concerned in particular with sustainable psychological service and other measures. The finding of social relation domain score being higher than general population suggests that it is important to promote the satisfaction with social relation through the timely effective support from both government and civil society, and the resettlement of sample housing area as well.
Objective To observe the effect of comprehensive rehabilitation in patients with peripheral nerve injuries after the Wenchuan earthquake. Methods A total of 24 cases of peripheral nerve injuries who were admitted to the Rehabilitation Center for Earthquake Victims of West China Hospital of Sichuan University were treated with comprehensive rehabilitation, including exercise therapy, acupuncture therapy, functional electrical stimulation, and occupational therapy (mainly sensory training and wearing orthosis). After 30 treatment sessions, patient motor and sensory function, upper limb functional activity, and electrodiagnostic parameters were evaluated. Meanwhile, concomitant injuries were also recorded. Results As for the recovery of motor and sensory functions, the effective rate was 41.66%. The difference in the scores of upper limb functional activities was statistically significant before and after treatment (Plt;0.01). As assessed by electromyogram and nerve conduction velocity, the response rate was 87.50%. Patients with more concomitant injuries were likely to have slower recovery. Conclusion Comprehensive rehabilitation is appropriate and effective for patients with peripheral nerve injuries after the Wenchuan earthquake.
Objective To evaluate the effect of urgent psychological crisis intervention for 148 patients who were transferred to other provinces to receive treatment after the Wenchuan earthquake. Methods We randomly selected 148 patients from the disaster area who received treatment in The Third Hospital of Mianyang City and then transferred to other provinces. A self-designed questionnaire, SAS, and SDS scales were administered to all patients 7 days and 1 day before their transfer. After the initial assessment, all patients received urgent psychological interventions including catharsis, leading, explanation, and cognition reconstruction. Results After psychological intervention, both the full score and the standardized score of SAS and SDS declined significantly (Plt;0.01). Conclusion Earthquake sufferers who were transferred to other provinces to receive treatment had psychological problems. Crisis psychological intervention may have improved their psychological status effectively.