Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Among the Survivors of the Derna Flood 2023

Amina  Elsaid; Naji Boshaala

doi:10.54361/19.1.20

Authors

Amina Muftah Elsaid Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Libyan International Medical University Author
Naji Mustafa Boshaala MBBC, Faculty of Medicine, Libyan International Medical University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54361/19.1.20

Keywords:

disaster, flood, depression, post traumatic disorder, Derna, Libya

Abstract

Purpose: Natural disasters are catastrophic events that result from natural phenomena such as floods, the most recent and devastating natural disaster that affected Libya was the flood that occurred in September 2023 had a significant impacts on the mental health of the survivors, who may experience various psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression that can impair the quality of life, Aim of study: Our research aim is to determine the prevalence of PTSD and depression among the adult survivors of the Derna flood.

Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was done online through Google forms from December 2023 to April 2024.

Result: The majority of respondents were male (86.4%), with females comprising a minority (13.6%). Regarding age distribution, approximately half of the participants (50.5%) were aged between 18 and 28 years. The findings revealed a high prevalence of PTSD symptoms among the participants, with 72.8% reporting experiencing symptoms consistent with PTSD Moreover, the majority of participants (82.5%) exhibited symptoms of depression, the level of depression was significantly associated with employment status.

Conclusion: our study underscores the substantial burden of PTSD and depression among survivors of the Derna flood in Libya. The findings highlight the urgent need for tailored mental health interventions and support services to address the psychological needs of survivors in the aftermath of natural disasters

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