Cross-sectional study to estimate prevalence of Common mental disorders and PTSD and to determine the associated factors among flood affected population in Central Kerala.

BACKGROUND: Increased the risk of psychiatric morbidity is seen in individuals affected by disasters. Different variables play a key role in increasing this vulnerability. Hence this study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in flood affected population in Central Kerala and also to determine the variables associated with the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted as a cross sectional study in three disaster affected regions in central Kerala with a total sample size of 1145 selected by convenience sampling. The data collected included Socio- demographic data, WHO Self-Reported Questionnaire (WHOSRQ) and Impact to Event Scale (IES- R), by trained volunteers. The scales were translated to Malayalam before administration. The data was analyzed to determine the association between different variables. RESULTS: In the sample, 70% were belonging to age of 31 -60 years and majority were females. Common Mental Disorder (CMD) was seen in 7% as per WHOSRQ score of >8. This was significantly associated with history of psychiatric illness and physical illness. A score of >33 in IES-R was seen in 25%, suggesting the possibility of PTSD. This was significantly associated with age, gender, marital status, history of physical and psychiatric illness and family history of psychiatric illness. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the prevalence of PTSD in a quarter of the population with specific high risk variables. Hence there is a need for Mental Health Services as an integral component of disaster policy.