Disaster Effect Among Preadolescents Along With a Search for an Evidence-Based Preventive Approach: A Systematic Review

The mental health of preadolescents is crucial for safeguarding our future. The purpose of this study was to assess evidence-based preventive measures for reducing disaster-related stress among preadolescents. The study design involved a systematic review of articles published before April 2023. For data sources, we conducted searches on PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, the National Library of Medicine, and other relevant resources, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) standard flow diagram for the systematic article review. Of 1,531,932 studies identified in the database search, 23 articles met the inclusion criteria, including one conducted in India. Disaster-related stress was found to be prevalent in preadolescents, with adverse effects that are particularly pronounced in this age group compared to other children. The stress experienced during the pandemic has had a negative impact on preadolescents' psychological well-being, emphasizing the need for focused care to protect them. Various preventive approaches have been identified to alleviate the suffering of preadolescents. Among the studies reviewed, a total of seven studies demonstrated the impact of disasters on the mental health of children, providing evidence that children have been significantly affected by the pandemic. Additionally, five studies highlighted preventive interventions to mitigate the impact of disasters on children's mental health, underscoring the necessity for psychological interventions. Several studies also revealed that preadolescents are more susceptible to disaster-related stress due to their developmental stage. Consequently, preventive measures were investigated to address this stress, specifically among preadolescents. In conclusion, continuous research on disaster-related stress is essential to determine the extent of stress experienced and to identify evidence-based measures, such as positive psychology, to mitigate its consequences. This not only protects the mental health of preadolescents but also safeguards our future generations from the burdens of distress.