The effect of psychosocial interventions on mental health of earthquake victims in Borujerd city

Background: Iran is one of the five top countries of the world that are prone to having earthquakes. Psychological problems arise from disasters may hidden from the view of the health care professionals and many remain in fixed manner. Aim of study was to investigate the effect of psychosocial interventions on mental health of victims with more than 15 years old suffered from earthquake.

Methods: A semi-experimental study using pre-posttest was designed. 115 subjects of over 15 years old victims were selected through a random sampling method from Boroojerd city Western Iran. Data was collected using Watson PTSD and GHQ-28 tests. After base line data collection they participated in for sessions of psychosocial interventions. Two months later all participants were reassessed with the same methods. Data was analyzed using Chi-Square and dependent T-test.

Results: GHQ-28 total score significantly decreased from 35.5±12.61 to 23.1±11.25 after intervention (p<0/01). A significant difference was found between pre and post-tests of PTSD score (p<0/01). There was also a significant difference between the rate of PTSD signs with sex and social support factors (p<0/05).

Conclusion: Regarding to high prevalence rate of PTSD in earthquake disaster victims, accomplishment of psychosocial interventions program and regular monitoring is necessary. These interventions may increase the ability of victims to combat with new conditions and promote their mental health.