Psychological Distress Among Adolescent Students Following the April 26, 2015 Massive Earthquake in Nepal

Abstract

Introduction A massive earthquake on April 25, 2015, resulted in physical and emotional devastation in Nepal. This study aims to determine the prevalence of psychological distress among adolescents in Kathmandu and Sindhupalchowk districts within Nepal one year after the earthquake. Methods The Brief Symptoms Inventory tool was used to measure the level of psychological distress. The participants were students of four randomly selected schools from both districts. Surveys were conducted involving 200 students aged 13 to 17 years. Participants had diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Results The prevalence of clinical threshold varied from 10% to 50% depending on each of the nine symptoms scales. Between the two districts, there was a statically significant difference in the prevalence of major psychological distresses. Sindhupalchowk had a higher percentage of students meeting the clinical threshold in each of the nine symptom scales than Kathmandu. Female students tended to have higher symptoms levels than male students. Conclusion The prevalence of psychological distress among adolescents living in areas of large impact is greater compared to the prevalence of psychological distress in adolescents living in less impacted areas. Given the current literature with respect to adolescent psychology in Nepal, more studies must be done to assess the level of distress in other regions of the country.

Report on the earthquake in Turkey: Field observation on healthcare services and ethical challenges

“…Research has shown that adolescents residing in earthquake-affected areas experience higher rates of psychological distress compared to those living in less affected areas 37 . In light of this, adhering to the principle of beneficence involves offering healthcare services that enhance the physical, psychological, and social well-being of adolescents in these areas.…”