Well-Being and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder due to Natural and Man-Made Disasters on Adults

Background: Research has shown that man-made disasters effect people more severely than natural disasters. Females are affected more severely as compared to males in disasters. The most prominent effects are low well-being and high post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objectives: To compare the differences in well-being and PTSD among adults exposed to natural and man-made disasters. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 150 young adults exposed to flood in Punjab (50), terrorism in KPK (50) and suicide bombing (terrorism) in Islamabad (50). Results: Adults exposed to natural disaster like flood scored significantly higher on well-being as compared to adults exposed to man-made disaster like terrorism and suicide bombing. Post-traumatic stress disorder was more in terrorism exposed adults as compared to flood exposed adults. Within gender, females adapted better to man-made disasters. Conclusion: Adults exposed to natural disaster adapt better than those exposed to man-made disaster and females adapt to