Understanding the Presentation of PTSD in a Sample of Latina Immigrant Women

Abstract

Introduction: Latina immigrant women are exposed to potentially traumatic events (PTE) before, during, and after migration to the US. These experiences can contribute to the presence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, which include reliving difficult memories, avoiding situations reminiscent of past trauma, or feeling on edge. These symptoms often cooccur with depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and somatic symptoms. The association between somatic symptoms, like headaches, back pain, chest pain, or sleep disturbances, and PTSD symptoms is not well understood among Latina immigrant women. Objectives: The goal of this study was to describe PTSD symptom severity in a sample of Latina immigrant women from King County, Washington. Additionally, this study examines the association between PTSD symptoms and other mental health symptoms in this population with an emphasis on somatic symptoms. Methods: We used baseline survey data, including demographic and mental health symptom information for 223 participants recruited from community-based organizations. A trained, bilingual member of the research team collected data in person or over the phone. Validated mental health measures were used to assess symptom severity, including PTSD (PCL-6), somatic (PHQ-15), depression PHQ-9, and anxiety (GAD-7). Descriptive analysis, t-tests, ANOVA, and Tukey HSD test were used to conduct this secondary analysis of the data. Results: Almost all (84%) participants reported at least one potentially traumatic event and 42% endorsed PTSD symptom severity exceeding the 14-point cutoff. Mean PTSD severity was higher among those living alone and those with cooccurring symptoms of depression and anxiety. There was a weak linear correlation between PTSD symptom severity and somatic symptom severity (R2 = 0.21) and participants who endorsed back pain, chest pain, feeling tired or having low energy, or trouble sleeping were more likely to have high PTSD symptom severity. Conclusions: Exposure to PTEs was relatively common among his population of Latina immigrants living in King County. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms and their association with other mental health symptoms suggest the need for preventative mental health treatment addressing the full scope of Latina immigrants’ mental health needs in a comprehensive manner.