Social issues and post-disaster recovery: A qualitative study in an Iranian context

Abstract

The physical impacts of a disaster are usually the most obvious impacts, and they are easily measured. However, there is not sufficient in-depth understanding of social issues arising after disasters. This qualitative study explored three main concepts regarding social issues after an earthquake in an Iranian context: social vulnerability, social uncertainty and confusion, and ignorance of local social capital. Negligence of social issues after disasters leads to delays in returning back to normal life. Policymakers are encouraged to take a comprehensive plan into account which considers these issues and facilitates the process of returning to normal life after earthquakes.

Are older people more vulnerable to long-term impacts of disasters?

“…Although the short-term effect of the disasters on the physical well-being of older adults has been largely studied and proven that they are more vulnerable because of decreased sensory awareness, physical impairment, chronic medical conditions, and socioeconomic limitations experienced by many of the elderly,5–7 conclusions about the long-term psychological effects of natural disasters on older adults have been inconclusive. Some previous studies reported that the elderly are more likely vulnerable to psychological problems 4,8,9. However, other studies found that the elderly are less vulnerable to psychological impacts of disasters compared to younger survivors 10–12…”

“…In this case, older adults are among the most vulnerable groups to the immediate impact of natural disasters. Several studies have found that physical well-being of older adults is more affected by natural disasters compared with their younger counterparts 2–4. Although the short-term effect of the disasters on the physical well-being of older adults has been largely studied and proven that they are more vulnerable because of decreased sensory awareness, physical impairment, chronic medical conditions, and socioeconomic limitations experienced by many of the elderly,5–7 conclusions about the long-term psychological effects of natural disasters on older adults have been inconclusive.…”

Positive Mental Health Three Years After East Azerbaijan Earthquake: A Comparative Study

“…The lower psychological well-being in these areas can be justified by considering the effect of earthquake on these variables, especially missing occupations and failure to achieve job opportunities available in the region after the disaster and on the right time [21]. On the whole, it seems that the mean score differences between different subscales was not enough to produce significant difference in the total score of positive mental health between the groups.…”

A Comparison of pharmacologic and mechanical prophylaxis on the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in spinal cord injury

“…Given the high number of deaths and injuries among the elderly, this population deserves special attention (16,17). Likewise, according to human right laws, every person has the equal rights to protection (18).…”