Post tsunami psychological impact among survivors in Aceh and West Sumatra, Indonesia

Adaptation and validation study of the Indonesian version of the Global Psychotrauma Screen in an undergraduate student population

BACKGROUND

The high incidence of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) in Indonesia warrants early identification of those with probable trauma-related disorders in order to tailor prevention and intervention for trauma-related symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to adapt and validate a novel brief transdiagnostic screener, the Global Psychotrauma Screen (GPS), in Indonesian undergraduate students.

METHODS

An online survey was administered among Indonesian undergraduate students (N = 322). Exploratory factor analysis, reliability analyses, clinical validity analyses, and correlational analyses were performed to evaluate the construct validity, reliability, clinical validity, and convergent-divergent validity of the Indonesian GPS. Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to assess the relationship between risk factors and trauma-related symptoms. The relationship between four categories of trauma-related symptom severity and social/work functioning was measured using Analysis of Covariance.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis yielded a single-factor solution. The Indonesian GPS demonstrated good internal consistency, test-retest correlation, and absolute agreement, indicating good reliability. The Indonesian GPS also had an acceptable area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity for a probable diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex-PTSD (CPTSD), depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). We also established evidence for the convergent and divergent validity of GPS. The GPS risk factors (low psychological resilience, other stressful events, history of mental illness, and low social support) contributed to predicting trauma-related symptoms after controlling for gender, age, employment status, and faculty background. Additionally, in comparison to participants from the mild and low categories of GPS symptoms scores, participants from the severe and moderate category reported impaired lowered social/work functioning.

CONCLUSION

The current findings indicate that the Indonesian GPS is a valid and reliable transdiagnostic trauma screener for Indonesian undergraduate students. This first comprehensive validation of the GPS in Indonesia calls for more research in Lower-middle Income Countries (LMICs) as a way towards prevention and early intervention for trauma-related symptoms.

Psychological impact of the Spring 2019 flood among adult population of Iran

BACKGROUND

From March to April 2019, a flood occurred in several regions of Iran. The most affected provinces were Golestan, Lorestan, and Khuzestan.

AIMS

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of psychological distress and depression among the affected adult population 6 months after the event.

METHODS

A cross-sectional household survey with face-to-face interview was carried out on a random sample of 1,671 adults aged above 15 years living in the flood-affected areas from August to September 2019. We applied GHQ-28 and PHQ-9 for the assessment of psychological distress and depression, respectively.

RESULTS

The prevalence of psychological distress and depression were 33.6% (95% CI [29.5, 37.7]) and 23.0% (95% CI [19.4, 26.7]), respectively. Determinants of psychological distress were a history of mental disorders (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.7), primary (AOR = 2.9) or high school (AOR = 2.4) education (vs. university), no compensation received (AOR = 2.1), high damage to assets (AOR = 1.8), the house flooded more than 1 m (AOR = 1.8), female gender (AOR = 1.8), and limited access to health care services (AOR = 1.8). Determinants of depression were unemployment (AOR = 5.3) or being a housewife (AOR = 2.7), a history of mental disorders (AOR = 4.1), high damage to assets (AOR = 2.5), no compensation received (AOR = 2.0), the house flooded more than 1 m (AOR = 1.8), limited access to health care services (AOR = 1.8), and high wealth index (AOR = 1.7).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study revealed a high prevalence of psychological distress and depression in the flood-affected adult population. The high-risk group, particularly flood victims who had a history of mental disorders, and those exposed to severe damages of flood, should be prioritized for screening, and mental health services.

Symptoms Description of Family Post Traumatic Stress Disorder of the Mount Merapi Eruption Disaster Victims during Covid19

BACKGROUND: Volcano disaster can cause psychological problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by a scary or frightening, unpleasant and challenging event or experience with physical abuse or threatened feeling. AIM: The purpose of this study was to describe the symptoms of PTSD experienced by families after the volcanic eruption disaster in Magelang Regency. METHODOLOGY: This research was conducted with a descriptive-analytic strategy. The research population was community aged 15–64 years, with a total of 574 people, and 86 respondents were selected as samples using a quota sampling technique. RESULTS: The results show that the majority of respondents experience symptoms of PTSD in the mild category as many as 60 respondents with a percentage of 68.9%. However, there are two respondents included in the severe category. The results of this study are expected to be the basis for the community and other institutions to pay attention to the symptoms of PTSD. CONCLUSION: Respondents who are categorized as experiencing weight PTSD symptoms are expected to conduct further examinations at health services immediately; therefore, PTSD can be handled.

Psychological Well-Being in Chinese College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Roles of Resilience and Environmental Stress

Psychological well-being is an important indicator of well-being and has been found to be associated with a multitude of positive life outcomes. Using data collected from 1,871 Chinese college students from September 23 to October 5, 2020, this study examined students' psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigated how resilience and pandemic-related environmental stress may affect psychological well-being. Results showed that resilience had strong positive effects on psychological well-being during the pandemic. Meanwhile, environmental stress had a moderate effect and marginally reduced psychological well-being. The magnitudes of the estimates suggested that increasing resilience can effectively buffer the negative effect of environmental stress on psychological well-being.

Survey on Public Psychological Intervention Demand and Influence Factors Analysis

Major public health emergencies would have a negative influence on the psychology of the public, and an effective psychological intervention can help them to relieve some emotions, such as tension and panic. However, differences in individual environments affect people's psychological intervention demands and intervention mode choices. Therefore, it is of great theoretical and practical value to analyze and identify the key factors affecting these demands and choices. Based on a nationwide sample of 24,188 respondents from the "Internet Survey of Residents' Behavioral Changes and Psychological Conditions during the Epidemic," the different characteristics of public psychological intervention demands and choices under different factors are explored in this paper. The results demonstrate that: (1) the psychological status of Chinese people was relatively stable during the epidemic period, and there were 1016 respondents who had subjective demands for a psychological intervention, (2) age, gender, occupation type, residence, family size, risk perception, psychological status, education level, and fixed expenditure all significantly affect public psychological intervention demands, and (3) risk perception, psychological status, age, gender, and family size will impact the choice of psychological intervention methods. The above results can provide a decision-making basis for the construction of a psychological intervention system in psychological crisis management during the post-epidemic prevention and control period, as well as reference and suggestions for handling psychological stress of similar sudden crisis events in the future.

Psychological outcomes for young adults after disastrous events: A mixed-methods scoping review

RATIONALE

Young adulthood (18 to 34) is a time of transitional change where individuals can be highly susceptible to mental health concerns. Despite similar vulnerabilities to their adolescent counterparts, the psychological outcomes for young adults following disasters are not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aimed to explore the literature on the psychological outcomes for young adults after disaster events.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was conducted in seven electronic databases, including PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL, PILOTS, EMBASE, Scopus, and ProQuest dissertations and theses global. In total, 91 reports from 15 countries were included.

RESULTS

Findings suggested that young adults experience a range of psychological consequences after disasters, including posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, anxiety, and other psychological outcomes, such as general/non-specific psychological distress. Pre-disaster, peri-disaster, and post-disaster factors were also found to influence the degree of psychological outcomes experienced by young adults, including prior psychological functioning and disaster exposure, among a host of other factors.

CONCLUSION

Future research is recommended to better understand young adults' psychological outcomes, experiences, and service needs following disasters.

Anxiety and resilience in the face of natural disasters associated with climate change: A review and methodological critique

In the past two decades, climate change-related natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts have become increasingly frequent and severe, impacting the emotional and psychological well-being of those who are directly or indirectly exposed to them. Despite great interest in understanding differences in anxiety and resilience in response to natural disasters, enthusiasm appears to outstrip empirical clarity, as there remains considerable ambiguity as to determinants of resilient or pathological outcomes following exposure to natural disasters. In addition, there are several major methodological limitations in climate change and related natural disaster research, including the use of univariate analyses, cross-sectional design, and retrospective measures. Keeping these limitations in mind, we first review literature examining the mental health outcomes of natural disasters. Findings suggest that, overall, resilience is more common than pathological outcomes. Second, we use a multi-dimensional framework of resilience to selectively review factors at the event, individual, as well as family and community levels that could help inform resilient or pathological outcomes. Finally, we consider key limitations and future directions for research and practice in the field of anxiety and resilience in response to climate disasters.

Is there any association between dietary patterns, food security status and psychiatric disorders among Iranian earthquake victims?

BACKGROUND

Diet changes through disasters may affect psychological health as well as general health. The present study aimed to find food security status-that is defined by having enough food for an active, healthy life-dietary patterns and their relationship with probable psychiatric disorders in earthquake survivors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study conducted on 350 women who survived in East Azarbaijan earthquake (At 4:53 am on 11 August 2012). Food frequency questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and food security questionnaire of the US Department of Agriculture were used to assess dietary patterns, psychological and food security status, respectively. P values were considered significant at <0.05.

RESULTS

Four major dietary patterns were defined based on factor analysis. These four dietary patterns explained of 37.09% variation of food intakes. Ten per cent of the population was food secure. There was no significant association between tertiles of major dietary patterns and risk of all psychological disorders (p values>0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was no statistically significant association between major dietary patterns and psychiatric disorders. Further well-designed studies need to find any significant association.

Changes in the mental health status of adolescents following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident and related factors: Fukushima Health Management Survey

BACKGROUND

The present study examined the data from the Fukushima Health Management Survey conducted after the Great East Japan Earthquake to identify disaster-related factors affecting the mental health status of adolescents following the disaster and obtained basic data necessary in providing mental healthcare.

METHODS

The study included 2808 adolescents aged 15-19 years (male: 1327; female: 1481) who completed the 2011 edition of the registered questionnaire. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale scores, age, sex, health status, sleep satisfaction level, Great East Japan Earthquake experience, experience of losing a loved one, change in employment status, change in residence, and awareness of the impact of radiation on health were examined.

RESULTS

Psychological distress was significantly correlated with sex, health status, sleep satisfaction of, experience of losing a loved one, change in employment status, extreme anxiety regarding the acute health impact of radiation, and extreme anxiety regarding the impact of radiation on health in adolescents and the next generation.

LIMITATIONS

The present study is limited because of its cross-sectional design, due to which, the causal relationship between each factor and psychological distress could not be clarified.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest that appropriate mental healthcare should be administered immediately following an earthquake to adolescents who have lost a loved one and experienced anxiety regarding the health impact of radiation following a nuclear accident.

Medium-Term Effects of a Train Derailment on the Physical and Psychological Health of Men

In July 2013, the derailment of a train caused the death of 47 people and the destruction of Lac-Mégantic's downtown area (Canada). Three years after this event, a population survey was conducted among a representative sample of 800 adults, including 282 men. Several significant differences were observed among respondents of a survey based on their level of exposure to this tragedy, including their physical (changes in physical health) and psychological health (post-traumatic stress disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, psychological distress, signs of depression, consultation of social workers and psychologists) as well as their use of prescribed (anxiolytics and antidepressants) and nonprescribed drugs. Such results can be explained by the nature, magnitude, and cause of the event.

Environmental Exposures and Depression: Biological Mechanisms and Epidemiological Evidence

Mental health and well-being are consistently influenced—directly or indirectly—by multiple environmental exposures. In this review, we have attempted to address some of the most common exposures of the biophysical environment, with a goal of demonstrating how those factors interact with central structures and functions of the brain and thus influence the neurobiology of depression. We emphasize biochemical mechanisms, observational evidence, and areas for future research. Finally, we include aspects of contextual environments—city living, nature, natural disasters, and climate change—and call for improved integration of environmental issues in public health science, policies, and activities. This integration is necessary for reducing the global pandemic of depression.

Scientific evidence on natural disasters and health emergency and disaster risk management in Asian rural-based area

INTRODUCTION

Disaster epidemiological studies indicate that Asia has the highest frequency of natural disasters. Rural communities are heavily impacted by natural disasters and have different healthcare needs to urban ones. Referencing Asian countries, this paper's objective is to provide an overview of health impacts and the current evidence for designing programmes and policies related to rural health emergency and disaster risk management (health-EDRM).

SOURCES OF DATA

This paper uses published English-only reports and papers retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Medline and PsycINFO on rural disaster and emergency responses and relief, health impact and disease patterns in Asia (January 2000-January 2018).

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Earthquakes are the most studied natural disasters in rural communities. The medical burden and health needs of rural communities were most commonly reported among populations of extreme age. Most of the existing research evidence for rural interventions was reported in China. There lacks published peer-reviewed reports of programme impacts on personal and community preparedness.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

There is a lack of evidence-based health-EDRM interventions to evaluate implementation effectiveness in rural areas despite vast volumes of health-related disaster literature.

GROWING POINTS

Climate change-related disasters are increasing in frequency and severity. Evidence is needed for disaster risk reduction interventions to address the health risks specific to rural populations.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

To support global policy development, urgent evidence is needed on the intervention effectiveness, long-term health outcomes, local and cultural relevance as well as sustainability of health relief produced by Health-EDRM programmes in rural areas.

Development and predictors of psychological outcomes following the 2008 earthquake in Iceland: a longitudinal cohort study

AIMS

On 29 May 2008, an earthquake struck in South Iceland. The aim of this study was to explore the trajectories of post-traumatic stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms among exposed inhabitants during the first year following the earthquake, as well as predictors for symptomology.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal cohort study based on a sample that was randomly selected from the earthquake-stricken area ( n = 1301). Participants answered a questionnaire assessing demographic and disaster-related factors 2 months after the earthquake. In addition, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety were assessed 2, 4, 8 and 12 months post-disaster.

RESULTS

Two months after the earthquake, 5.2% of the participants reported PTSD symptoms, 6.7% depression and 6.4% anxiety symptoms. When comparing first and last time points only, we found a significant decrease in anxiety ( p = 0.05), particulary among females ( p = 0.05), those with a primary education ( p = 0.01), prior history of accidents/disasters ( p = 0.02) and those experiencing damage to their home ( p = 0.02). No significant trends were found when the development of other symptoms between the four time points was assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate a reduction in anxiety symptoms between 2 and 12 months post-disaster, with PTSD and depression symptoms remaining fairly constant across time. No trends in symptomology were observed over time. The results highlight the need for continued monitoring of those affected by disasters and the identification of subgroups at risk in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Medium-Term Health of Seniors Following Exposure to a Natural Disaster

The article aims to describe the medium-term impacts of a major earthquake event (Chile, February 27, 2010) on 26 seniors. The authors adopted a qualitative study approach. Data obtained using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) show the presence of manifestations of posttraumatic stress in the majority of respondents. In addition, data collected in interviews demonstrated a progressive deterioration of the health of respondents over a period of 4 years following the disaster. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to the effects of material loss, emotional stress, and postdisaster health complications. These impacts are exacerbated by low economic status. Furthermore, broader research is necessary involving elderly living in poverty who have survived natural disasters and others without such experiences, in order to better identify and differentiate between health complications associated with exposure to disaster events and those linked more strictly with natural aging processes.

Mental Health Screening in North Sulawesi, Indonesia: Kessler 6 pilot data and needs assessment results from the LearnToLive Indonesian Health Initiative

INTRODUCTION

Communities around the world are increasing their focus on mental health and substance use disorders. However, the struggle to identify and treat patients remains great. The sequelae of these disorders, including severe chronic disability and suicide, are significant, and its impact is felt most in lower and middle-income countries. In the rural and underserved region of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, there are limited data published regarding the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and other symptoms of psychological distress.

METHODS

In order to characterize and quantify some specific areas of psychological distress, the LearnToLive Indonesian Health Initiative completed a retroactive review of Kessler 6 data from 697 people in rural communities of North Sulawesi.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate a rate of near 10% for psychological distress, particularly with anxiety and depressive symptoms. We also found that the village of Sapa scored higher on most of the subcomponents of the screen compared with the other villages in the study.

DISCUSSION

While the Kessler 6 screening tool is not diagnostic, our results suggest significant mental health issues in need of further exploration and research. We found that these results exist in an environment with high stigma, limited education regarding mental illness, and limited outpatient services. The results from this analysis will hopefully guide future mental health education in the region and will ultimately assist in the development of the clinical infrastructure needed to effectively identify, treat, and manage mental health conditions.

Mental health implications for older adults after natural disasters--a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Natural disasters affect the health and well-being of adults throughout the world. There is some debate in the literature as to whether older persons have increased risk of mental health outcomes after exposure to natural disasters when compared with younger adults. To date, no systematic review has evaluated this. We aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the impact of natural disasters on the mental health and psychological distress experienced by older adults.

DESIGN

A meta-analysis was conducted on papers identified through a systematic review. The primary outcomes measured were post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorder, and psychological distress.

RESULTS

We identified six papers with sufficient data for a random effects meta-analysis. Older adults were 2.11 times more likely to experience PTSD symptoms and 1.73 more likely to develop adjustment disorder when exposed to natural disasters when compared with younger adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the global rise in the number of older adults affected by natural disasters, mental health services need to be prepared to meet their needs following natural disasters, particularly around the early detection and management of PTSD.