A longitudinal study of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression after tsunami in Thai children

Abstract

Objective The purposes of this study were to assess the prevalence trend of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among tsunami affecting Thai children and to identify factors associated with PTSD and depression in this group.

Materials and methods This study was population-based longitudinal study. Three mental health assessments were conducted among 7 to 14 year old children at 2, 9 months and 3 years post-tsunami. There were 210 affected children in Phang Nga province were enrolled in the follow-up study. Symptoms of PTSD and depression were assessed by using the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index and the Birleson Depression Self-rating Scale respectively.

Results There were 151 and 115 affected children in Phang Nga province were enrolled in the follow-up survey at 9 months and three years after tsunami respectively. Prevalence of PTSD among the children decreased from 12.4% (26/210) at two month post tsunami to 5.2% (6/115) at three years after
tsunami. Prevalence of depression among the children decreased from 13.3% (28/210) at two month post tsunami to 6.1% (7/115) at three years after tsunami. Risk factors for mental health problems in this study were traumatic experiences and perception of threat or delayed evacuation during/ after the
tsunami for PTSD and depression.

Conclusion PTSD and depression among tsunami affected Thai children decreased over time. Traumatic experiences and perception of threat or delayed evacuation during/ after the tsunami were associated with PTSD and depression.