Abstract

A STUDY TO ASSESS DISASTER RELATED POST- TRAUMATIC STRESS AMONG CHENNAI FLOOD VICTIMS

*S. Kavitha M. O. T. and Meenu Rachel Koshy

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess the mental health of flood affected residents and to investigate the level of PTSD on gender basis. A cross-sectional survey of flood affected people of Mudichur (Tambaram Panchayat) was conducted from March 2016 to May 2016 The respondents were asked about their experience of the disaster, and how they perceived it. A sample population of 270 was obtained. Their mental health was assessed by using 17 items PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) checklist. Data analysis was done using SPSS 22.0 version. Of 270 survey respondents 50% were males 50% were females but irrespective of the gender all had same degree of PTSD 96%. The prevalence of PTSD among the general population was assessed in accordance to the PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) checklist. The p value (0.249) is greater than 0.05, that showed that there was no significant difference in post traumatic stress levels between Males and Females. The present findings indicates that there is post traumatic stress within respondents and the need to plan strategies for promoting recovery.

Keywords: Disaster, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Flood.