Understanding long term community psychosocial needs of children and adolescent survivors of a natural disaster: One decade after 2005, 'Snow-Tsunami'in Kashmir

Abstract

Objectives:To explore the sociodemographic profile and long term psychosocial needs of children and adolescents who survived a natural disaster (snow storm)more than a decade back inKashmir. Methods:It is a cross sectional study done in a disaster affected population of children and adolescents in South Kashmir 10 years after the snow storm disaster. The study was designed as a survey of the sociodemographic and long term psychosocial correlates and mental health status of young adults living even today at the same disaster stricken vulnerable spot. Results:Participants were 139 young adult inhabitants of snow storm stricken area in south Kashmir in 2005 (exposed group) and 71 residents of a geographically and enthnoculturally identical population in central Kashmir area. Rampant psychosocial problems among the young disaster survivors long after the disaster, when after the initial knee jerk response of relief agencies, no one is around to help, is clearly reflected through the results of our study. Recognition ofmeasures to addressmultidimensional problems through an outreach psychosocial and clinical service program, as clearly revealed by our study, is greatly stressed. Conclusion:The results indicate that disasters can have long-standing adverse effects on survivor's psychosocial well being and mental health even after 10 years later. Post trauma morbidity is more lasting in people with lesser support viz lower socio economic class, rural background and lower education.