Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42032609›Full record

ArticleBMC psychiatry2026

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in children after PICU discharge: exploring contributing factors and the need for targeted interventions.

Mao-Ting Tang, Xian-Liang Liu, Hai-Yang Zhang, Ping Lei Chui, Mei Chan Chong, Lin Mo

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC psychiatry, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Mao-Ting TangDepartment of Outpatient Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Children and Adolescents' Health and Diseases, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Chongqing, China.
Xian-Liang LiuSchool of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Homantin, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Hai-Yang ZhangWest China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Ping Lei ChuiDepartment of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
Mei Chan ChongDepartment of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
Lin MoDepartment of Outpatient Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Children and Adolescents' Health and Diseases, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Chongqing, China. molin999@126.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe rising number of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions has brought post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) into sharp focus as a pressing mental health concern among pediatric patients. This study aimed to explore the PTSD-related experiences of children following PICU hospitalization.

methodsThis descriptive qualitative study investigated PTSD-related experiences in children aged 8–18 years discharged from PICUs in Chengdu, China. Using stratified purposive sampling, we conducted in-depth interviews with participants one-month post-discharge. Data were analyzed thematically through coding, categorization, and theme extraction. To ensure rigor, we employed triangulation, member checking, and expert review.

resultsInterviews with 11 children (six boys and five girls) revealed significant PTSD symptoms after PICU discharge. Key contributors to PTSD include physical health and sleep disturbances, psychological distress, environmental stressors, invasive medical interventions, and a lack of social interaction.

conclusionsPost-PICU PTSD symptoms in children are shaped by a combination of physical, psychological, and social factors. Tailored interventions are urgently needed to mitigate these risks, emphasizing holistic care to support recovery and mental well-being.

Indexed as

Intensive Care Units, PediatricPatient DischargeStress Disorders, Post-TraumaticAdolescentChildChinaFemaleHumansMaleQualitative ResearchPediatric intensive care unitPost-traumatic stress disorderQualitative study

Identifiers

PMID42032609
PMCPMC13244976

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.