Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) brings with it diagnostic symptoms that
can be debilitating and persist for years. Left untreated, PTSD can have far-reaching and damaging
consequences – for the individual, families, communities, and society at large. While early detection
and intervention is recognized as key to the effective treatment of PTSD, many who suffer from
PTSD do not seek essential health services. The aim of this study was to answer the research
question: based on existing literature, what are the barriers and facilitators to help-seeking for
individuals with PTSD?
Methods A systematic review, modeled on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for
systematic reviews, examined studies cited in PsycINFO, Medline, Embase, CINAHL and PILOTS
published from January 2000 to November 2015. Eligible studies measured barriers and facilitators
to help-seeking for adults with PTSD. Two reviewers independently screened citations and double
data extraction was exercised.
Results Of 1,759 potentially relevant citations, sixteen studies were included, published
between 2003 and 2015 and based in five countries, predominantly within the United States (n=12).
Thirteen studies focused on military as a target population. Eight principal barrier themes and seven
principal facilitator themes were identified, under which supportive subthemes were categorized.
Conclusions In identifying prominent barriers and facilitators to help-seeking for individuals
with PTSD, this review highlights opportunities to inform policies and programs that educate and
promote PTSD knowledge and recognition, reduce public and personal stigma, improve access and
availability of care, and encourage social support for patients and families living with PTSD.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uottawa.ca/oai:ruor.uottawa.ca:10393/35195 |
| Date | January 2016 |
| Creators | Smith, Jennifer R. |
| Contributors | Yaya, Sanni |
| Publisher | Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa |
| Source Sets | Université d’Ottawa |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
Page generated in 0.0022 seconds