The Prevalence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Earthquake Survivors Based on Demographic Factors

Earthquake in addition to physical injuries causes serious complications in individuals’ mental health. One of these problems is post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which arises following exposure to extremely serious stress. In this study, the prevalence of this disorder and field symptoms of its risk among earthquake survivors were examined. This review article by using secondary analysis and study of 31 performed field research on earthquakes in Bam, China, Turkey and other parts of the world have investigated the prevalence of PTSD among earthquake survivors. Rates of PTSD were more in women than in men. On the other hand, in some studies there wasn’t any significant relation between gender and PTSD. The amount of this disorder in married people was more than singles and in people with higher education was more than those with lower education. Rates of PTSD vary in different ages and the highest rate was in the age groups under 30 years and 41-50 years. This rate was higher among children. Because our country is considered as one of the most disaster prone countries in the world, governmet it is better to plan long term mental health policies for earthquake survivors and these policies were based on a sample relief. On the other hand, since the economic and social problems after the occurrence of incidents and disasters have a major impact on intensity of mental disorders, it is recommended to increase government supporting policies in this area, for decreasing economic and living problems of people, and these supports can improve mental health problems of the victims. On the other side, the presence of social and religious associations could play a decisive role in reducing and overcoming stress and as a safeguard against PTSD in survivors.