Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Among Flood Affected Individuals of Sindh, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Camps Five Months after the Flood

Background: In 2010, Pakistan experienced the worst floods in its history affecting nearly 1.5 million people. S uch events can lead to psychological disturbances among the af fected persons. Objectives: To assess post-traumatic stress disorder and depre ssion among the affected population after floods in Sindh province. Study type, settings and duration: Cross-sectional study done in 3 relief camps set-up around Karachi during December 2010. Subjects and Methods: A total of 422 adult individuals irrespective of ag e and gender were studied screening questionnaire for disaster mental health (SQD) was administered for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. A single adult individual from each family was asked to resp ond to the questionnaire. All ethical issues were t aken into consideration. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 18 and Excel 2007 software for frequencies and cro ss tabulation between categorical variables. Results: Out of 422 individuals, 249(59%) had post-traumatic stress disorder. Depre ssion was significant in 54.4% adults. Cross tabulation indicated that post-traumatic stre ss disorder and depression was more in females, ill iterates and those living in joint family system. Increased use of ad dictive substance was found in individuals during t heir stay in the relief