Association of posttraumatic stress and quality of life in civilians after air attacks

Although quality of life and posttraumatic stress have been extensively studied, their relationship has rarely been investigated. This study explored the relationship between posttraumatic stress and quality of life in - relatively homogeneous and non-selective - groups of civilians who had been exposed to air attacks. Quality of life (MANSA), posttraumatic stress (IES), and depression and anxiety (SCL90-R) were assessed in two groups of medical students (Nl=139, N2=475), one and two years respectively after air attacks in Yugoslavia. Results show weak to moderate associations between posttraumatic stress and subjective quality of life scores. After controlling for depression and anxiety, only the association between posttraumatic stress and satisfaction with mental health remains statistically significant in both groups. Anxiety and depression appear to mediate - largely, but not fully - the association between posttraumatic stress and subjective quality of life.