@article{ref1,
title="Psychiatric morbidity in December 2015 flood-affected population in Tamil Nadu, India",
journal="International journal of social psychiatry",
year="2019",
author="Bandla, Shailaja and Nappinnai, N. R. and Gopalasamy, Srinivasagopalan",
volume="65",
number="4",
pages="338-344",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Floods are the most common type of natural disaster, which have a negative impact on mental health. Following floods, survivors are vulnerable to develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. <br><br>AIM: The aim is to study the psychiatric morbidity in the persons affected by floods during December 2015. <br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out in Chennai and Cuddalore. In total, 223 persons who were directly exposed to floods were assessed. PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version, Beck's Depression Inventory, Beck's Anxiety Inventory and World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Scale (WHO-5) were used in the study. Chi-square test was used to compare the means. <br><br>RESULTS: Overall, psychiatric morbidity was found to be 45.29%; 60 (26.9%) persons had symptoms of PTSD. Anxiety was found in 48 (27.4%) and depression was found in 101 (45.29%) persons; and 11 (4.9%) persons have reported an increase in substance abuse. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Following disaster like floods, there is a need for better preparedness in terms of basic necessities and medical and psychological assistance, particularly emphasizing the needs of older persons in order to prevent the development of psychiatric problems.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0020-7640",
doi="10.1177/0020764019846166",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0020764019846166"
}