This article reports survey results from a household probability sample of adults from six communities that have been impacted by mass violence incidents from 2015 to 2019; it lays out the research study’s methodology, results, and provides a discussion of implications including a high prevalence of risk factors for PTSD.
The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of, and factors associated with past-year and current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adults in communities that experienced an MVI. This cross-sectional survey was completed between February and September 2020 with a household probability sample of adults from 6 communities that had experienced an MVI between 2015 and 2019: Dayton, Ohio; El Paso, Texas; Parkland, Florida; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; San Bernadino, California; and Virginia Beach, Virginia. Address-based sampling was used to identify randomly selected households, mail invitations, and select one adult per household to complete a self-administered paper or online survey. Data analysis was performed from September to November 2023. The primary outcome was presumptive diagnostic-level past-year PTSD and current (past month) PTSD determined using American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition, DSM-5) PTSD criteria. A total of 6867 adults aged 18 years or older accessed the website with a description of the study and consent materials. Of these, 5991 agreed to participate and completed the survey, 343 partially completed the survey, and 443 did not meet eligibility criteria or refused to participate. Most of the 5991 respondents were female reported high exposure to the MVI (either they or a close friend and/or family member was on site during the shooting). Nearly one-quarter met presumptive DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for past-year PTSD, with 8.9 percent (530 participants) meeting the criteria for current PTSD. Regression analyses found that being female and having a history of both physical or sexual assault and other potentially traumatic events were associated with the greatest risk of past-year PTSD. In this survey study of 5991 participants, presumptive PTSD was quite prevalent long after the MVI among adults in communities that have experienced an MVI, suggesting that MVIs have persistent and pervasive public health impacts on communities, particularly among those with prior exposure to physical or sexual assault and other potentially traumatic events. Focusing exclusively on direct exposure to MVIs is not sufficient. Incorporating these findings into screening should improve efforts to identify the individuals most in need of prevention or mental health service after MVIs. (Published Abstract Provided)