Perspectives about the PTSD prevalence rate in the case of multiple traumatic events exposure among mountain workers

Abstract Despite their high level of exposure to potential traumatic events (TE), the prevalence rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among mountain workers was reported as particularly low (Sommer & Ehlert, 2004) although the high exposure of these professionals to TE. This study aimed to estimate the magnitude of PTSD rate in mountain workers once we used a cover story to reduce sample bias. Mountain workers underwent either clinical interviews by means of the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) ( n  = 60) or they self-reported their symptoms by means of an appropriate questionnaire of the PTSD Check List (PCL) ( n  = 73). We also estimated the magnitude of PTSD rate by the means of meta-analysis. A discrepancy in the PTSD rate was observed as a function of the method used for the diagnosis [i.e., the interview method (22%) or the self-report method (5%)]. Furthermore, the meta-analysis shows that the overall estimation of PTSD varies and lies between 2.79% and 5.93% among this specific population with multiple exposures (range from 64% to 96% for exposure at least one TE). Our results are congruent with higher PTSD rates observed with other at-risk professionals. The present study reveals that mountains workers are frequently exposed to TE and according to the method of diagnosis the prevalence rate may present huge variations. This major finding points out the necessity to pay attention to the method used when the PTSD prevalence is estimated in the case of multiple exposure and among occupational population.