Prevalence of Psychological Problems among Survivors of the Earthquake in Northern Areas of Pakistan

The purpose of present study is to investigate the prevalence of psychological problems in the earthquake victims in Northern Areas of Pakistan. The sample of the present study consist of 200 earth quake victims (Mean age = 36.20; SD=16.78) from affected areas of northern Pakistan. They were further divide into three groups on the basis of their ages. Among them 49 (24.5%) were adolescents (Mean age = 15.53; SD =2.94), 133 (66.5%) were adults (Mean age = 39.86; SD =10.23) and 18 (9%) were old age people (Mean age = 69.89; SD = 4.61). Each group was further divided into two groups on the basis of gender (Male and Female). Out of 200 majority of victims' 145 (72.5%) monthly income was from 1,000 to 10,000. The qualitative Methodology has been used in this study. Interviews were conducted from victims of targeted areas. In order to get information Semi Structured Questionnaire for was used and also field notes were taken which were based on observation. In order to interpret the data in statistical terminology the descriptive statistics (Means, SD, SEM, percentages) was used for presentation of data effectively. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, V 12.0) was applied for calculation of the data. Results showed that majority of them experienced severe psychological problems. Regarding their experiences about the earthquake, majority 61(30.55%) of the victims reported that it was like a doom's day. 139(69.5%) were fearful and 45 (22.5%) reported to be suffered from sadness. Further, 84(42%) victims reported to have high level of heart palpitation. and 67(33.5%) reported to have high level of anxiety. Regarding their level of depression 72(36%) reported to have high level of depression. 107 (53.5%) participants reported to have heart pounding and 143 (71.5%) reported they could not sleep properly., lost interest in activities 171(85.5%), feeling of detached from others 163 (81.5%), feelings of restlessness 188(94%), feelings of worthlessness 138 (69%) and repeated thoughts of death 93 (46.5%) and 167 (81.5%) reported to have suicidal ideations. Possible reasons, implication of these results are discussed and the avenues for future research have also been suggested. It is suggested that the more subsequent research be used to determine the risk factors associated with such kind of disaster so that effective preventive strategies and interventions could be used to overcome the suffering of such vulnerable group.