Educational Level Modifies the Relationship between Standard Deviation of NN Intervals and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Development over Two-years
- Author:
Ji Min YOO
1
;
Ju-Wan KIM
;
Hee-Ju KANG
;
Hyunseok JANG
;
Jung-Chul KIM
;
Ju-Yeon LEE
;
Sung-Wan KIM
;
Il-Seon SHIN
;
Jae-Min KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Brief Report
- From:Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):155-160
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:This study investigated how educational levels modify the relationship between the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) of heart rate variability and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Methods:Participants with physical injuries were enrolled from a trauma center and monitored over two years. Initial assessments included SDNN and educational attainment, along with socio-demographic and clinical variables. PTSD diagnoses were made at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-injury using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5.Logistic regression analyses were conducted.
Results:Of the 538 participants, 58 (10.8%) developed PTSD during the follow-up period. A significant interaction effect was observed: lower SDNN was significantly linked to PTSD in individuals with higher education, but not in those with lower education.
Conclusion:The study identified education-dependent associations between SDNN and PTSD development, emphasizing the importance of tailored PTSD prevention strategies that consider both SDNN and educational levels.
