Adolescents and Floods: An Exploratory Study from Kerala
| Autor: | Aby Dany Varghese, Geethu Mathew, Jaico Paulose, Ans Mary Sabu, Aleena Joseph |
|---|---|
| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2021 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University, Vol 10, Iss 4, Pp 89-97 (2021) |
| Druh dokumentu: | article |
| ISSN: | 2231-4261 46934626 |
| Popis: | Background: A better understanding regarding the experiences faced by adolescents is essential to plan need based interventions and disaster preparedness. Aim and Objectives: To assess impact of floods among adolescents in Kerala. Material and Methods: This study was conducted among 670 adolescent children in selected schools using stratified sampling in Alleppey district. The study tool included a structured questionnaire which collected information on sociodemographics and impact (rescue, flood related losses, life during floods, morbidity, stay in relief camps and effect of academic activities) Results: Among the 670 participants assessed, 362 (54%) were females with a mean age of 16.03 ± 0.73 years. More than 50 percent reported that they had to survive without basic necessities such as food (125, 18.7%), water (146, 21.8%), electricity (369, 55.1%) and proper sanitation facilities (71, 10.6%) during floods. Nearly 25 percent of them needed a rescue service and majority were rescued using boat service. In the study, 189 (28.2%) of them reported flood related losses. This included damage to houses (178, 26.6%), household items (174, 26%), documents (207, 31%), study materials (140, 20.9%) and pets (41, 6.1%). Few reported deaths of their loved ones in the family. The common morbidity reported was skin infection (27, 4%). Among students, 86 (12.8 %) stayed in rescue camps with median days of stay of 8 days (IQR 5, 15). More than 80 percent of them were happy with the facilities provided in the camp. Among students, 265 (39.6%) missed classes and majority reported that they are unable to concentrate post floods. We noted significant differences in the flood related loss and experience of students from private and public school. Conclusion: This study observed many personal and academic losses related to floods that can have a deep psychological impact among adolescents. Mental health of the adolescents should be treated as a priority and trained mental health specialist should be included in the disaster relief team. The experience they gained can be used to plan local interventions and train them in disaster preparedness and risk reduction. |
| Databáze: | Directory of Open Access Journals |
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