Direct and indirect psychological impacts of shark-bite events

Abstract

Objective: Shark bites are rare, with intense media exposure. There are no known studies of the psychological impacts of this specific type of traumatic event. This is the first study that describes those directly and indirectly affected, and evaluates the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related risk factors. Methods: In total, 124 members of an Australian shark-bite peer-support group were invited to complete an online survey assessing demographic, event, media and psychological factors. Response rate was 48% (n\u2009=\u200960, 63% male, 44\u2009±\u200914\u2009years). Retrospective and current measures of PTSD (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 [PCL-5]) and suicidality (Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale [SIDAS-5]) were used. Results: Post-event PTSD was prevalent in this sample (n\u2009=\u200916/59, 27.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]\u2009=\u2009[15.4, 38.8]), but less so currently (n\u2009=\u20092/55, 3.6%, 95% CI\u2009=\u2009[0.0, 8.7]). In addition, nine (n\u2009=\u20099/59, 15.3%, 95% CI\u2009=\u2009[5.8, 24.7]) had subthreshold, but highly symptomatic, syndromes post event. There was no association of PTSD with direct/indirect bite involvement, gender, or prior trauma. Two respondents were at risk of suicidal behaviour. PTSD was commonly reported by those without a partner (odds ratio [OR]\u2009=\u20095.91, 95% CI\u2009=\u2009[1.52, 22.99], p\u2009=\u20090.01) or with two friends or fewer to rely on (OR\u2009=\u20095.83, 95% CI\u2009=\u2009[1.62, 21.01], p\u2009=\u20090.01). PTSD was more likely in those with a negative media experience (n\u2009=\u200934/52, 65.4%, OR\u2009=\u200911.90, 95% CI\u2009=\u2009[1.42, 100.04], p\u2009=\u20090.02) and 61.5% (n\u2009=\u200932/52) of respondents reported media coverage lasting months or years. In multivariate modelling, negative media impact, relationship status and friendships were independently associated with PTSD and explained much of the variance in PTSD (F4,41\u2009=\u200910.94, p\u2009<\u20090.0001, r2\u2009=\u20090.52). Conclusion: Nearly one-third of members of an Australian shark-bite peer-support group report post-event PTSD, and one-quarter of these were not present at the time of the event. Findings support interventions targeting negative media impact, similar to media reporting guidelines for suicide, and enhancing social support.