Minakshi1, P.C. Joshi2 & Rahul Kumar3
1UGC Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007.
2Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007.
3Field Officer, Centre for Cultural, Resources and Training (CCRT), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India.
Volume 12, Number 1, January-March, 2020 I Full Text PDF
DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v12n1.14
Abstract:
The present study attempts to analyze mental health problems in terms of anxiety, depression and probable post-traumatic stress disorder among women in Kosi flood affected areas of Bihar, India.
STUDY DESIGN: Cross- Sectional Survey.
METHOD: A cross- sectional survey was conducted with total sample size of 250. 125 from high flood affected areas where populations were displaced for longer period of time from their original homeland and the same from the unaffected areas without displacement. Purposive sampling was used with those respondents who were willing to be part of the study. Ever-married women aged 17-49 were eligible for the study that were recruited after informed consent. Mental health was assessed by using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Civilian Checklist.
RESULTS: Between the two groups there was significant difference found in terms of anxiety (t=10.64, df=248, p=.000) and depression (t=10.32, df=248, p=.000). Further the affected group scored low in two domains of PTSD i.e. avoidance and arousal, whereas intrusion score was found to be average. Moreover, an inverse association of anxiety (r=-0.189 & p=.03), depression (r=-0.185 & p=.03) and PTSD (r=-0.245& p=.006) with age was found among the affected population.
CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and depression was found to be at an elevated level among affected groups, although respondents in the affected areas scored low in most of the domain of PTSD. Thus following a major disaster, there is a need to specifically address the mental health problems among women and provide adequate psycho-social support.