Posttraumatic Stress Following the 2023 Odisha Train Accident: A Cross-sectional Comparison Study of Passengers, Health Professionals, and the Local Community

Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2025 May 8;19:e112. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2025.113.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We studied posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and disorder (PTSD), associated factors, and quality of life (QOL) of a group of passengers (n = 58) affected by the 2023 Odisha train accident, comparing it with health professionals (n = 42) such as doctors and nurses who treated them, and individuals from the local community (n = 65). We also checked the anxiety and depression of passengers.

METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we assessed accident experience and used the PTSD checklist, WHO-QOL-BREF, General Anxiety Disorder, and Patient Health Questionnaire scales.

RESULTS: The PTSS were common; specifically, intrusive memories (36.4%), feeling upset while reminded of the experience (33.9%), and avoidance of memories (30.9%). Strong negative feelings, loss of interest, feeling distant, and irritability or anger outbursts were significantly more common among passengers than others. PTSD was present in 20.7% of passengers, 19.0% of health professionals, and 7.7% of local participants. Seeing dead bodies significantly contributed to PTSD. Clinical levels of anxiety (58.3%) and depression (50%) were present in passengers, which were significantly associated with PTSD, along with fear of death. Passengers had the worst QOL and health satisfaction among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Following the train accident, stress-related psychiatric problems were common and highlighted the intervention needs of the affected people.

PMID:40337796 | DOI:10.1017/dmp.2025.113