Psychosocial Needs Assessment among Earthquake Survivors in Lorestan Province with an Emphasis on the Vulnerable Groups

Abstract

Introduction:Iran is one of the ten most earthquake prone countries in the world. Earthquakes not only cause new psychological needs among the population but particularly so when one considers vulnerable groups. This in - depth study was conducted with the aim of assessing psychosocial needs six months after an earthquake happened in the west of the county in Lorestan province.Methods:This is a qualitative study using focus group discussion that focuses mainly on the vulnerable groups (women, children, elderly and disabled people) after an earthquake in Boz-azna; a village in Lorestan province in western part of Iran.Findings:Results of the psychosocial assessment indicated feelings of anxiety and worries in four vulnerable groups. Horror, hyper-excitement, avoidance and disturbing thoughts were observed in all groups with the exception of the elderly. Educational failures, loneliness and isolation were highlighted in children. All groups encountered socio-economic needs that included loss of assets and sense of insecurity and also reproductive problems were reported in women's group.Discussion and Conclusion:Modification of a protocol on psychosocial support considering the context of the rural and urban areas with emphasis on the specific needs of the vulnerable groups is an appropriate strategy in crisis management. It seems that appropriate public awareness regarding assistance programs can be effective in reducing stress and needs of disaster survivors.

Emergency Nurses’ Requirements for Disaster Preparedness

“…In 2014 alone, 202 disasters were recorded in Asia affecting 87760054 and injuring 10,107 people ( 3 ). Iran is vulnerable to a range of natural and man-made disasters ( 4 , 5 ) and the capital Tehran is not an exception. It is located on active faults; earthquakes with high severity are expected ( 6 ).…”

Women's information needs in mental health in disasters

“…regarding primary biological needs. [ 5 6 8 9 10 ] Primary biological needs seen in Maslow's hierarchy of needs are the first groups of needs whose lack of satisfaction can lead to mental problems due to urgency and stress for survival and well-being. Due to different hormonal conditions, women need different types of attention regarding these needs.…”

“…and Shooshtari et al .and regarding clothing agree with the results by Parsizade and Eskandari. [ 5 6 8 ] Given the Islamic nature of Iran, clothing conditions and related problems play important roles for women. Furthermore, when women are placed in unsecure and unorderly locations, the importance of sheltering and protection offered to women increases significantly.…”

“…A study on the earthquake in the Lorestan province using focus group discussions concluded that women are faced with financial problems, lack of ownership, feelings of insecurity, and fertility problems. [ 5 ] Another study conducted qualitative interviews with experts and emphasized the necessity of primary biological and security needs, improvement of social status, access to facilities and values, knowledge about rights, participation in policy- and law-making, and unity among women during disaster situations. [ 6 ] In another group discussion with 35 experts in a qualitative study, clean eater, shelter, security, respect, proper communication, awareness, and employment were emphasized as the needs of survivors in an earthquake.…”

Experience of people with physical disability: Mobility needs during earthquakes

“…Natural disasters are reason of 86% of all disaster-induced deaths in the world, while 75% of such deaths occurred in Asia. [ 1 ] Iran is an earthquake-prone Asian country and one of the most vulnerable ones so that about 180,000 Iranians have perished because of earthquake since the last century. [ 2 3 ] In such a vulnerable situation, people are prone to get affected by natural disasters, especially in terms of health and quality of life, that can lead to specific conditions and formation of new needs.…”