Objectives
To identify the incidence and factors impacting post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 6 months, 2 and 7 years following the 2005 Eyre Peninsula bushfires in South Australia.
Methods
A questionnaire was used to assess symptoms.
Design and Setting
A longitudinal follow‐up study with responses collected from a self‐report booklet.
Participants
179 respondents were present at 6 months post bushfires, with 103 and 87 participants at 2 and 7 years, respectively.
Main Outcome Measures
PTSD rates and its precipitating factors.
Results
The proportion of PTSD cases at times 1, 2 and 3 were 13.4% (24/179), 10.7% (11/103), and 4.8% (4/87), respectively. At 6 months, terrifying experience of fire reduced odds of developing PTSD (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.45; 95% CI 0.21–0.96) while relocation increased odds (OR: 2.93; 95% CI 1.06–8.08). At 2 years, relocation (OR: 6.81; 95% CI 1.07–43.41) was a positive predictor. At 7 years, personal loss from the fires (OR: 2.82; 95% CI 1.17–6.77) positively predicted PTSD.
Conclusion
PTSD rates declined over time. Relocation may be a proxy measure of high levels of emotional trauma. Those most traumatised probably decided to relocate, and hence, relocation should be considered a trigger for PTSD in the aftermath of bushfire.