Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from the Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health
IntroductionThis study provides a descriptive overview of the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Canada, across sociodemographic characteristics, mental health–related variables and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsData were obtaine...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Public Health Agency of Canada
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada |
| Online Access: | https://canada.ca/en/public-health/services/reports-publications/health-promotion-chronic-disease-prevention-canada-research-policy-practice/vol-45-no-1-2025/survey-results-prevalence-ptsd-canada-covid-19-pandemic.html |
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| Summary: | IntroductionThis study provides a descriptive overview of the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Canada, across sociodemographic characteristics, mental health–related variables and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MethodsData were obtained from cycles 1 and 2 of the Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health (SCMH), collected in fall 2020 (N = 14 689) and spring 2021 (N = 8032). The prevalence of PTSD was measured using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Cross-sectional associations were quantified using logistic regression, while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics.
ResultsThe overall prevalence of PTSD was 6.9%. Factors associated with higher PTSD prevalence were female gender; younger age; lower income (females only); living in an urban area; frontline worker status or not being at work in the past week (males only); fair or poor mental health; a weak sense of community belonging; symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder; suicidal ideation; heavy alcohol use; daily cannabis use; increased alcohol and cannabis use since the start of the pandemic; decreased alcohol consumption since the start of the pandemic (males only); concerns about violence in the home; and negative impacts of the pandemic.
ConclusionPTSD prevalence in Canada varies significantly across sociodemographic groups and is more common among those with indicators of lower mental health and well-being, as well as those more adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ongoing and enhanced surveillance of PTSD in Canada is important to better understand and address the burden and impacts of this condition. |
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| ISSN: | 2368-738X |