Survey of psychiatric impairment among residents exposed to environmental pollution from a petrochemical complex. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pan, Tien-Szu; Chen, Meng-Yin; Chiang, Shih-Kuang; Tseng, Cheng-Mao; Liu, Tsung-Hsing; Chang, Yun-Ming; Shiah, Yung-Jong
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 301(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Psychiatric impairment -- Pollution -- Major depressive disorder -- Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Sleep quality; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113960
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: The aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), poor sleep quality symptoms and level of distress among residents caused by the claimed long-term stress resulting from the biggest petroleum chemistry factory (PCF) in the world. We highlight an increased prevalence of MDD, PTSD and poor sleep quality symptoms linking to exposure to the pollution from the PCF. We highlight the need for prompt prevention, diagnostic and therapeutic attention. ABSTRACT: Purpose: This study first assessed the occurrence of major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), symptoms of poor sleep quality and high levels of distress among residents, caused by reported long-term stress from environmental pollution emitted from the biggest petroleum chemistry factory (PCF) in the world. Methods: A total of 328 long-term residents (Mean age = 57.5, SD = 16.5 years, ranging from 22 to 95) were recruited randomly from a total population of 26, 632 in Mailiao township in Taiwan next to the PCF. Trained assistants used the Disaster-Related Psychological Screening test, the Perception of Life Threats Caused by the SCNP questionnaire and the Sleep Quality Scale to interview the participants. Results: The results support our hypotheses that most of the residents (71%) would report life threats caused by the PCF. The residents displayed higher rates of major depressive episodes (24.1%), PTSD (24.5%) and symptoms of poor sleep quality. The more they felt threat from the PCF, the stronger the connection with MDD and PTSD symptoms. Conclusion: The results indicate an increased prevalence of MDD, PTSD and symptoms of poor sleep quality in those exposed to environmental pollution from the PCF, highlighting the need for prompt prevention, diagnostic and therapeutic attention.