Abstract

PSYCHIATRIC MORBIDITIES AMONG POST FLOOD ELDERLY VICTIMS IN KELANTAN, MALAYSIA

Author(s): Tan Zi Ti, Thaqief Mohamad Azaini, Aini Sofiah Shahruniza, Jabraan Jamil, Yu Jie Si, Mayple Tan Leou Jiun, Nazhan Keeshan Nahdan Rengganathan, Shaiful Bahari Ismail, Azidah Abdul Kadir, Asrenee Abdul Razak, Mohamed Hashim Mohamed Hassan

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the depression, PostTraumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) and its associated factors among the elderly flood victims in Tumpat, Kelantan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2015 in three villages in Tumpat, Kelantan. Face to face interviews were conducted using socio-demographic performa, Malay version Geriatric Depression Scale 14 (M-GDS 14), Malay version Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ) and flood-related questionnaires. Results: One hundred elderly respondents completed the study. The prevalence of depression and traumatic stress was 15.0% and 17.8%, respectively. The risk factors for depression are being female (Odds ratio [OR] = 5, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.27, 19.99), family history of mental illness (OR = 39.5, 95% CI: 1.41, 1063.08) and elderly with traumatic stress (OR= 5.38, 95% CI: 1.53, 18.9). There was significant correlation between depression and traumatic stress (r= 0.36, p<0.001). Conclusion: In the aftermath of a natural disaster, female and those who have PTSC are more likely to develop depression. It is suggested to expand this research to a bigger population as well as another flood affected states in Malaysia.

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