Acute stress disorder and the associated factors among traumatized patients admitted at Felege-Hiwot and the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Acute stress disorder is the main factor of impairment in multiple areas of functioning that affects almost all age groups and which also influences mental and physical health. However, it negatively impacts the quality of life and social activities. The empirical evidence about probable acute stress disorder (ASD) and its associated factors is not available in Ethiopia to date. Therefore, the present study was aimed at identifying the magnitude and associated factors of probable ASD among traumatized patients in order to plan and render informed intervention for these vulnerable people. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Felege-Hiwot and the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospitals from March 11/2020 to April 20/2020, by using a structured and semi-structured questionnaire. Systematic random sampling was used to recruit a total of 422 patients. The standard acute stress disorder scale was used to identify the prevalence of acute stress disorder by employing a face-to-face interview. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors with probable acute stress disorder. Statistical significance was declared on 95% of confidence intervals (CI) at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of probable acute stress disorder was found to be 45% (95% CI: 40.2 to 49.6). In the multivariate logistic analysis; exposure to past history of trauma (AOR = 3.46, 95%, CI: 1.01–11.80), past psychiatry illness (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.15–7.92), anxiety (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.30–4.38), poor social support (AOR = 4.07, 95% CI: 2.20–7.52) and moderate (AOR = 4.56, 95% CI:2.44–8.52), and sever perceived threat to life (AOR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.64, 4.60) were factors significantly associated with probable acute stress disorder. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study indicated that the prevalence of probable acute stress disorder among study participants exposed to multiple forms of traumatic events was considerably high. History of trauma and past psychiatric illness, poor and moderate social support, and moderate perceived stress were factors significantly associated with probable acute stress disorder. The ministry of health and other concerned health organizations may find the current finding useful for early detection, prevention, and intervention strategies to minimize the factor of acute stress disorder in trauma survivors.