FREQUENCY OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) AMONG FLOOD AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the relationship of exposure to a traumatic event and the subsequent onset of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the population exposed to floods in Pakistan.
Study Design: Cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Individuals exposed to the 2010 flood in District Shadadkot, Sindh from April 2012 to September 2012.
Methodology: Sample of the study comprised of 101 individuals from the flood affected areas in Pakistan. Age range of the participants was 15 to 50 years (M = 27.73, SD = 7.19), with participation of both, males and females. PTSD was assessed by using the self report measure, Impact of Event Scale (IES) and the subjective and objecitve experience to flood was assessed through Flood Related Exposure Scale (FRES) devised by the authors.
Results: The prevalence rate of PTSD among the flood affected population was 35.5%. Trauma had significant positive relation with objective flood exposure and subjective flood exposure (r = .27 and r = .38) respectively. Inverse relation appeared between age and PTSD (r = - .20). PTSD was higher among females as compared to males.
Conclusion: Understanding the prevalence of PTSD helps the mental health professionals in devising intervention strategies. A longitudinal study design is recommended that may be developed for better understanding of trajectories of trauma response across time span. Our findings may help identify populations at risk for treatment research.