Gender Differences in PTSD Symptoms among an HIV Positive Haitian Sample, within 3 months Post-Earthquake

Background: This study examines the distribution of PTSD symptoms and diagnoses by gender among an HIV positive sample in Haiti. Methods: The sample consisted of 103 HIV positive, Haitian adults (mean age =35 years; 44 males, 59 females) from an NIAAA-funded study on HIV positive alcohol abusers which was supplemented to examine PTSD after the earthquake. The PTSD Check List – Civilian was administered to assess the level of earthquake-related traumas. A score of 50 was used as the cut-off for PTSD diagnosis, allowing for sufficient sensitivity and efficiency. Results: Approximately 59.3 % of females reported scores above the threshold for diagnosis, whereas 38.6 % of males reported scores above the threshold (Χ²(1, N = 103) = 4.31, p = .038). Gender differences were examined for each individual question using independent sample t-tests. Women reported significantly higher levels of: “repeated, disturbing dreams of the earthquake” [t(101) = -2.17, p < .05]; “ having physical reactions when something reminded you of the earthquake” [t(101) = -3.97, p < .001]; “feeling distant or cut off from other people” [t(101) = -2.1, p < .05] ; “feeling as if your future will somehow be cut short” [t(101) = -2.14, p < .05; and “feeling jumpy, or startled easily” [t(101) = -2.3, p < .05]. Conclusions: Females reported more qualifying scores for PTSD diagnosis, as well as higher levels of disturbance in the areas of: physical arousal in response to reminders of the trauma, sleep quality, psychosocial functioning and future orientation.