Effect of tsunami on adolescents' mental health: A Sri Lankan experience

Background

Knowledge on the existing psychological status of adolescents in the tsunami-affected areas would be essential for the policy makers to plan public health programmes. The study was conducted to assess the prevalence and associations of mental health problems among middle adolescent schooling children in the Galle Municipality area-Sri Lanka after eight months of tsunami disaster.

 

Methods

A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in Southern part of Sri Lanka . Students from grades 9, 10 and 11 of Sinhala medium schools situated in the Galle Municipality area participated in the study. The selection of the sample was done using cluster sampling with probability proportionate to size. Sample size was calculated to detect 50% prevalence of mental health problems with 95% confident interval and 5% precision. The study instrument consisted of a self administered questionnaire and the validated Sinhala version of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire.

 

Results

The prevalence of mental health problems in the study population was 32.2% (C.I. 28.44%-35.96%). Out of the total study sample of 593, 40.8 % and 27.8% had hyperactive and peer problems respectively. Direct experience of the tidal wave (OR =2.93, p=0.013), ran with fear (OR=1.81, p=0.001), perception of being affected by tsunami (OR=1.79,p=0.0014) and impact of rumours (OR=1.85, p<0.001) were  significantly associated with MHP. Not having a close friend (OR=1.79, p=0.04), being unpopular among friends (OR=1.46, p=0.03), having problems with friends (OR=1.92, p=0.04), being criticized by teachers (OR=1.66, p=0.008) and adolescents being not satisfied with their academic achievements (OR=2.42, p=0.02) were also significantly associated with MHP.

 

Conclusions

Mental health problems among adolescent schoolchildren in tsunami-affected areas are very high even after 8 months of tsunami.