Health Impact, Perceptions, Adaptations and Social Support among People in Flash Floods and Mudslide in Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

• Main Authors: Jiraporn Sonpaveerawong, Nidarat Chuwichian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Prince of Songkla University 2015-06-01
• Series: Journal of Health Science and Medical Research (JHSMR)
• Subjects: adaptation; flash floods and mudslide; health impact; perception; social support
• Online Access: https://www.jhsmr.org/index.php/jhsmr/article/view/181

Objective: To examine the health impact, perceptions, adaptations, and social support among victims who were impacted by the flash floods and mudslide. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from 326 adults/elderly who were impacted by the flash floods and mudslide in the area of Sichon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province in Thailand. The reliability of questionnaires was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient with an alpha of 0.85 for the perception of psychological, social and spiritual impact questionnaire, 0.60 for the perception and adaptation of people who were impacted by the disaster questionnaire, and 0.86 for the perceived receive of social support questionnaire. Results: Among the 326 victims of the flash flood and mudslide, the most common physical problem was foot fungus infection reported by 35%, while the most common psychological impact, high-level anxiety and fear of heavy rain falls, was reported by 37.40%. The positive social aspect was an increase in harmony and support among individuals in the community, while the negative social impact was the feeling among the victims that the disasters created environmental problems. The positive spiritual impact was that the victims became more inclined to self-sacrifice and tended to help one another more, while the negative spiritual aspect was that most victims perceived the natural resources and scenery is have been tremendously destroyed. Most victims perceived the disaster was caused by nature. For social support, most of the victims had been receiving a high level of social support after the disasters. Conclusion: Flash floods and mudslide impact victims physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually. Health care managements related to health impact protection should be given more concern and should be designed to minimize impacts caused by disasters in the future.