Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Senior Victims of Tsunami-Affected Areas in Southern Sri Lanka

Background: On 26 December 2004, a large earthquake occurred off the coast of Sumatra, and a devastating tsunami struck surrounding countries. Sri Lanka was seriously affected, with more than 31,000 deaths and 4,000 people missing. Objective: To elucidate the relationship between factors of tsunami-related exposure and mental health conditions among the senior residents of tsunami-affected areas in southern Sri Lanka. Subjects: A total of 90 subjects (43 men, 47 women) aged 60 years or older who were living in the Matara district at the time of the tsunami attack. Methods: A survey by interview using a structured questionnaire was conducted in 2008. The collected information included demographic factors, tsunami-related exposure and mental health conditions. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was used to assess their post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Results: The median of the IES-R score was significantly higher in those who were situated at home; those who saw anyone the dead or injured; those whose evacuations were delayed; those whose family member or friend was injured; those who were injured; those who lost their children, spouse or family members; those whose family member was missing; those who lost livelihood, compared with those who were not or those who did not. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that younger age and loss of or injury to family members due to the tsunami were significantly associated with an increase in IES-R score. Conclusion: The results indicate that tsunami-related exposures have affected elderly survivors' mental health