Abstract:
Background—
Considerable research has documented that exposure to traumatic events has
negative effects on physical and mental health. Much less research has examined the predictors of
traumatic event exposure. Increased understanding of risk factors for exposure to traumatic events
could be of considerable value in targeting preventive interventions and anticipating service needs.
Method—
General population surveys in 24 countries with a combined sample of 68 894 adult
respondents across six continents assessed exposure to 29 traumatic event types. Differences in
prevalence were examined with cross-tabulations. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to
determine whether traumatic event types clustered into interpretable factors. Survival analysis was
carried out to examine associations of sociodemographic characteristics and prior traumatic events
with subsequent exposure.
Results—
Over 70% of respondents reported a traumatic event; 30.5% were exposed to four or
more. Five types – witnessing death or serious injury, the unexpected death of a loved one, being
mugged, being in a life-threatening automobile accident, and experiencing a life-threatening
illness or injury – accounted for over half of all exposures. Exposure varied by country,
sociodemographics and history of prior traumatic events. Being married was the most consistent
protective factor. Exposure to interpersonal violence had the strongest associations with
subsequent traumatic events.
Conclusions—
Given the near ubiquity of exposure, limited resources may best be dedicated to
those that are more likely to be further exposed such as victims of interpersonal violence.
Identifying mechanisms that account for the associations of prior interpersonal violence with
subsequent trauma is critical to develop interventions to prevent revictimization.
