The impact of exposure to potentially traumatic events during the pandemic on PTSD prevalence in the Netherlands

Anouk Van Duinkerken¹, Michel Dückers^{1, 2, 3}, Anne Meerdink⁴, Marieke Hiemstra⁵, Mark Bosmans^1
1Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Netherlands
²University of Groningen, Netherlands
³ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Netherlands
⁴GGD GHOR, Netherlands
⁵National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Netherlands

Number

22

Assigned to session

Keywords

Crisis, disaster or pandemic related
Public health, prevention, early interventions

Abstract

It is important to understand the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the trauma-related mental health of affected populations. Objective of this this study is to examine the impact of potentially traumatic events during the pandemic on PTSD prevalence in the Netherlands. Data from the 2022 Corona Health Monitor Adults and Elderly, including the validated Dutch PCL-5, were used.

69.1% of the participants experienced one or more potentially traumatic events: 59.1% was exposed to COVID-19-events, 36.7% experienced other types of exposure. Probable PTSD prevalence was 3.7%. Half of the PTSD cases were attributed to COVID-19-events. Nevertheless, PTSD risk was higher for other types of exposure. PTSD risk factors included loneliness, lack of emotional support, financial difficulties, and long-term COVID-19 symptoms. The PTSD group exhibited poorer well-being and health outcomes.

Exposure to potentially traumatic events during the pandemic had a profound impact on PTSD prevalence. Despite the lower relative impact of COVID-19-events compared to other events, COVID-19-event exposure accounted for a sizable portion of PTSD cases in the Dutch population. This emphasizes the need to address mental health consequences of prolonged crises, its accompanying demand for healthcare, and the importance of mitigation strategies based on risk and protective factors.

Authors

Anouk Van Duinkerken

Michel Dückers

Anne Meerdink

Marieke Hiemstra

Mark Bosmans