Mental health and psychosocial aspects of disaster preparedness in Bangladesh

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to highlight the activities and observations of some NGOs and some dedicated researchers in the field of psychosocial consequences of disaster in Bangladesh, particularly in the coastal areas and the tornado-affected areas of the district of Tangile and Jamalpur during the last two decades. Some of the advantages of the non-governmental organizations' (NGOs) work in relief and development were their linkages with grass-roots people ensuring access to the community and community participation, the flexible approach of work, ability and willingness to learn from people and ability to connect people's lives with their realities. The most remarkable survey carried out by the Social Assistance and Rehabilitation for the Physically Vulnerable (SARPV-Bangladesh) after the 1996 tornado showed, on average, that women are more affected psychologically than men; 66% of the total sample in the disaster area were psychologically traumatized and required emergency services. The study supports the ideas that any disaster will have mental health consequences. Providing scientific psychological services is essential for real recovery from such a disaster. In developing countries like Bangladesh, limitations of mental health professionals and inadequate knowledge and practice about disaster mental health among the medical and paramedical staff, may lead to delays in the psychosocial management and rehabilitation of the survivors. To respond properly to a serious type of disaster like a cyclone or a tornado or recurrent devastating flood, the disaster mental health team should be aware of the socio-economic status, local culture, tradition, language and local livelihood patterns. Integration of the team with the network of various governmental and non-governmental organizations is essential to provide mental health services effectively.

Injuries and Post-Traumatic Stress following Historic Tornados: Alabama, April 2011

“…It is known that severe storms pose not only a physical but also a psychological burden on the affected population,[39] with up to 66% of affected individuals requiring crisis counseling after a violent tornado,[40] and a prevalence of PTSD of 2% to 59% later on [41], [42]. In our sample, 22.1% of respondents screened positive for PTSD symptoms.…”

Mental health and the psychosocial consequences of natural disasters in Asia

“…(Choudhury, Quraishi, & Hague, 2006). However, after the worst tsunami in the region, many countries have learned the lessons and developed their own national guidelines for mental health interventions in disaster situations as a preparation tool.…”

Psychometric properties of the Children’s Revised Impact of Events Scale (CRIES) with Bangladeshi children and adolescents

“…In one large-scale survey, children showed higher levels of aggression and enuresis following a major flood compared to levels before the flood (Durkin et al, 1993). Similarly, high levels of traumatic reactions were reported following a tornado (13 May 1996) where among 150 victims (both adults and children), 66% were found to be psychologically traumatized (Choudhury, Quraishi & Haque, 2006). …”