Understanding The Key Factors That Influence The Patient Experiences And Health-Related Quality of Life in Civilians With PTSD

Patient experience, including physical, mental, and emotional Quality of Life (QoL) are not well understood in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) management. This study aims to understand the impact of a variety of factors on QoL and emotional wellbeing in a civilian population with PTSD. A cohort of 200 US civilians with PTSD completed a 30-minute, 53 question online survey that included SF-36/SF-12 instruments to measure QoL as characterized by emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing component scores. Scores range 0-100, with lower scores implying more disability. The National Stressful Events Survey PTSD Short Scale (NSESSS) was used to determine symptom severity and to gather certain demographics. A simple linear regression analysis was used to draw correlations between key factors and QoL scores. Individuals with PTSD reported an average QoL mental component score of 32 and a QoL physical component score of 36. Individuals with PTSD reported frequent occurrence of negative emotions, with a low emotional wellbeing score of 35. Engagement with psychotherapy and trauma related to death of a loved one were associated with more positive QoL relative to other factors assessed (p < 0.001). A negative QoL is associated with severe PTSD symptoms, pain, increased patient willingness to seek care, unemployment, and increased weekly care partner hours (p < 0.0001). Comorbidities and current treatment modalities are most strongly associated with patients’ post-diagnosis QoL. Understanding patient experience in the context of QoL can inform more holistic care by addressing complex physical, mental, and emotional needs as an adjunct to traditional treatments.