The relationship between mental disorders and digestive problems among trauma victims after Bam earthquake at one of the Kerman city hospital

Several studies indicate an increase in digestive problems after the earthquake that has been reported high prevalence of mental disorders in various studies. This study aims to examine the relationship between mental disorders and digestive problems among trauma victims of the earthquake at one of the Kerman city hospital in 2005. In this cross-sectional study, all trauma victims due to earthquake were studied in Afzalipour hospital in Kerman city. The patients were divided in two groups: patients with or without digestive problems. Physicians were completed questionnaire of anxiety and depression for all patients through interview. In this study, about 40% of patients suffered from digestive problems. About 35% of patients suffered from anorexia, 40% from early satiety, and 25% from heartburn. The score of anxiety and depression in patients with digestive problems were significantly higher in patients without these problem (P<0.05). Relieving the mental symptoms of affected people after earthquake is recommended due to relationship between mental disorders and digestive symptoms in patients.