Prevalence and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in paediatric patients aged 8–18 years after discharge from paediatric intensive care units

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychological outcome in children after paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission, but early postdischarge risk factors remain understudied. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of and impact factors for PTSD symptoms in patients in PICUs 1 month after discharge. Methods: This multicentre prospective cohort study recruited children aged 8–18 years who stayed in one of four PICUs of the participating institutions for more than 48 h from August to December 2023. Data were collected utilising the Demographic Characteristics Table, PICU Environmental Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale. Results: A total of 409 children participated in the study (mean age: 12.32 years; male: 59%; Han ethnicity: 91%, the largest ethnic group in China). Overall, 36% of patients in the PICU exhibited clinically significant PTSD symptoms within 1 month post discharge. PICU environment stress levels were moderate, with 41% of patients experiencing poor sleep quality. Factors influencing PICU patients’ PTSD included sleep quality, family type, and children's education level. Conclusions: This study highlights that children display PTSD symptoms 1 month after discharge from PICUs. Sleep quality, family type, and children's education level are factors influencing PICU patients’ PTSD, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions by healthcare providers to prevent PTSD after discharge. This study investigated ongoing PTSD symptoms in 409 children 1 month after discharge from the PICU. The factors influencing PTSD symptoms in these children included sleep quality, family type, and children's education level.