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The pooled prevalence of PTSD among ICU nurses is approximately 32.78%

This systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 observational studies found that the prevalence of PTSD among ICU nurses ranges from 3.3% to 64%, with a pooled prevalence of 32.78% (95% CI: 31.6%–33.9%). The high prevalence underscores the need for targeted interventions and support programs for this population.

Last updated: Aug 8, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score47/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Epidemiology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Intensive Care Nurses: A Systematic Review.

observational

Gehisari Z, Hashemzadeh E, Fazlizade S, Razaghpour H, Abdi M, Asadi Aghajari M · Iranian journal of public health (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Not applicable (observational study)
Outcome: Prevalence of PTSD, risk factors, and impacts
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses

Result:

PubMed: 42548804DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v54i12.20811

Mechanism Graph

ICU nurses are frequently exposed to traumatic events and patient death
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High workload, staff shortage, and organizational issues (e.g., lack of psychological support) increase risk
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Individual factors such as younger age and prior mental health disorders also contribute
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Result: High prevalence of PTSD (32.78%) with negative impacts on psychological distress, sleep quality, loneliness, and quality of life

Limitations

  • ⚠The review included only studies published in English, which may introduce language bias
  • ⚠The included studies had heterogeneous sample sizes and possibly varying PTSD assessment tools, leading to wide prevalence range
  • ⚠The review did not include longitudinal data, limiting causal inference

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prevalence of PTSD among ICU nurses?▼

The pooled prevalence is approximately 32.78%, with individual studies reporting rates from 3.3% to 64%.

What are the main risk factors for PTSD in ICU nurses?▼

Risk factors include exposure to traumatic events, high workload, staff shortage, organizational issues (lack of psychological support), younger age, and prior mental health disorders.

What are the impacts of PTSD on ICU nurses?▼

Impacts include psychological distress, poor sleep quality, feelings of loneliness, and reduced health-related quality of life.

What interventions are recommended for ICU nurses with PTSD?▼

The paper recommends targeted interventions such as providing staffing support, psychological resources, and resilience training.

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References

  1. 1.Gehisari Z, Hashemzadeh E, Fazlizade S, Razaghpour H, Abdi M, Asadi Aghajari M. "Epidemiology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Intensive Care Nurses: A Systematic Review.." Iranian journal of public health, 2026. PMID: 42548804 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v54i12.20811
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.