Assessment of prevalence and determinants of posttraumatic stress disorder in survivors of earthquake in Pakistan using Davidson Trauma Scale

Disaster, Social Capital, and Health

“…In addition, social capital is considered to be a key element of resilience (Allen, 2006 ;Castleden et al, 2011 ;Cox & Perry, 2011 ;Dynes, 2005 ;Ebi, 2011 ;Levac et al, 2012 ;Norris et al, 2008 ), as well as of communication, learning, adaptation, and risk awareness (Castleden et al, 2011 ). As part of the contribution of social capital on disaster impact, the benefi cial effects of social capital on health following a disaster were also reported (Ali, Farooq, Bhatti, & Kuroiwa, 2012 ;Beaudoin, 2007 ;Beiser, Wiwa, & Adebajo, 2010 ;Wind, Fordham, & Komproe, 2011 ;Wind & Komproe, 2012 ). Figure 7.1 shows the concept of social capital as it is applied to disaster settings.…”

“…The search returned 34 unique abstracts; among these, there were only six epidemiological studies from four disasters. All six of these pieces of literature were included in the review (Ali et al, 2012 ;Beaudoin, 2007Beaudoin, , 2011Beiser et al, 2010 ;Wind et al, 2011 ;Wind & Komproe, 2012 ). Five studies investigated individual social capital and there was a multilevel study.…”

The changing health priorities of earthquake response and implications for preparedness: a scoping review

“…Initially, depression and anxiety were predominant [78][79][80] . However, over time these declined but posttraumatic stress disorder became an increasing issue after the first six months 80, 81 . One study from Nepal reported a 43% increase in recorded suicides in the three months following the earthquake 82 .…”

“…Longer term studies from Armenia, up to 23 years later, demonstrated a higher prevalence of psychiatric conditions in those exposed to the earthquake compared to those not exposed 83 with conditions such as psychosis and obsessive compulsive disorder being more prevalent 84 . The importance of other services that impact on mental health were also recognised including the value of early re-establishment of education 62 and social networks 81,85 . The importance of education is highlighted particularly for women and children, with both vulnerable groups often overlooked in the disaster response [86][87][88] .…”

“…This occasionally extended to access to donor support with one study reporting that people with certain disabilities were unable to access some services due to external donor criteria restrictions 103 . Women 85,[104][105][106] , the elderly 81 and those with a history of exposure to violent events 80 were also reported to be at increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes.…”