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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 1/2017

01-01-2017 | Original Paper

Who is going to rescue the rescuers? Post-traumatic stress disorder among rescue workers operating in Greece during the European refugee crisis

Authors: Dimitra Sifaki-Pistolla, Vasiliki-Eirini Chatzea, Sofia-Aikaterini Vlachaki, Evangelos Melidoniotis, Georgia Pistolla

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

During the European refugee crisis, numerous Greek and international rescue workers are operating in Lesvos, offering search, rescue, and first aid services. Exposure to stressful life events while engaging in this rescue work can result in developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study aimed to assess the prevalence of PTSD and explore potential differences between different categories of rescuers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 217 rescue workers. Participants were grouped according to affiliation: “Greek Professionals Rescuers/GPR”, “International Professionals Rescuers/IPR” and “Volunteer Rescuers/VR”. The PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) was utilized. All tests were two-tailed (a = 0.05). Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and multivariate logistic regression were performed.

Results

Overall probable PTSD prevalence found was 17.1%. Rates varied significantly per rescuer’s category; 23.1% in GPR, 11.8% in IPR, and 14.6% in VR (p = 0.02). GPR demonstrated the highest risk compared to IPR and VR (p < 0.001). Females had approximately two times higher risk. Other significant risk factors included marital status, age, and number of children. Lack of previous experience, longer operation period, longer shift hours, and handling dead refugees and dead children were also considered major risk factors.

Conclusions

Rescue workers providing substantial aid to the refugees and migrants at Lesvos experience significant psychological distress. The present findings indicate the urgent need for targeted interventions. Further studies are needed to address long-term effects of the refugee crisis on rescuers, and explore effective measures to prevent PTSD.
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Metadata
Title
Who is going to rescue the rescuers? Post-traumatic stress disorder among rescue workers operating in Greece during the European refugee crisis
Authors
Dimitra Sifaki-Pistolla
Vasiliki-Eirini Chatzea
Sofia-Aikaterini Vlachaki
Evangelos Melidoniotis
Georgia Pistolla
Publication date
01-01-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1302-8

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