Effects of flooding on mental health of victims in Mzuzu City, Malawi
Floods caused by climate change have large social consequences for communities and individuals. The mental health effect of floods on victims in Malawi is not documented. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in Mzuzu city to investigate the effect of the April 2016 flood on the victim...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2021
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| Online Access: | http://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw:8080/handle/20.500.12845/292 |
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Add Tag | Summary: | Floods caused by climate change have large social consequences for communities and individuals. The mental health effect of floods on victims in Malawi is not documented.
A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in Mzuzu city to investigate the effect of the April 2016 flood on the victims. An interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to interview conveniently sampled adults who were living in the affected areas. Data was analyzed by comparing mental health indicators before and after the floods, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS). A total of 351 interviews were completed; 70.7% of the respondents were females. The proportion of participants who reported being happy, had injuries, were able to provide for their dependents, accessed health services and had a good appetite before and after the floods were found to be statistically significant as they decreased after the floods and had p<0.001. On average, signs and symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were reported in 56% of respondents. 19.3% received no support like others who did in form of food, shelter and counseling. Of those that received support, 79.8% reported that the support received had no effect on their mental health. Hence 61.5% indicated they needed to be provided with housing; 37.3% indicated they needed loans; 1.14% indicated they needed counseling services, for their mental health to be at optimal level. Flood victims in Mzuzu city had mental health issues as they presented with symptoms of mental problems. Their mental health indicators such as mood, physical health and eating pattern diverted from the normal state. A comprehensive mental health assessment should be considered for flood victims and a policy incorporating comprehensive mental health services in managing disaster victims should be developed. |
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