Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and its predictors following coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Background: Cardiac surgery can be traumatic and stressful, and as a result many people experience psychological difficulties following treatment. Aim: To assess the level of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 1month after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery among Jordanian patients, and to examine the predictors of PTSD after 1 month. Method: A descriptive survey design was used. Findings: 149 patients participated in the study. Their mean age was 59 years (SD=10.2) and most were male (87%) and married (93%). Some 44% of patients had PTSD. Length of stay in hospital (c ² (1)=6.598, P<0.05), and age (c ² (1)=4.920, P<0.05), predicted the occurrence of PTSD after 1 month. Conclusions: Nurses, who are usually in the frontline with patients, should consider using a robust tool and clinical interview to assess and evaluate the presence and the risks of PTSD to promote early detection and optimal management. Follow-up studies after 6 and 12 months would be beneficial.