The C-Mississippi Scale for PTSD in Postearthquake Communities

Abstract

Using a random-digit-dial, computer-assisted telephone survey, the Civilian Mississippi Scale for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was administered in two communities, six to ten months after separate, moderately strong earthquakes. Controlling for demographic attributes, only one earthquake characteristic, in one community, emerged as an independent predictor of PTSD scores. Assuming that the scale is a valid indicator of PTSD, the disorder appears to be relatively rare and is not associated as expected with characteristics of the quake. For the appropriate community services to be mobilized, it is incumbent upon researchers to identify the tools that will provide useful information after a disaster.