Post 'Gorkha earthquake' medical problems of the victims in Nepal

Abstract

© 2018, University of Dicle. Understanding the post-earthquake medical problems is essential for improving health interventions of the affected victims. 'Gorkha earthquake' that occurred in April-May, 2015 in Nepal, caused severe problems in people. Although some studies have been done regarding 'Gorkha earthquake', but no study studied the overall health status and medical problems of the victims from the earthquake in different parts of Nepal. The main objective of this study was to study the health status and medical problems of the victims of earthquake that occurred in 2015 in Nepal. The cross-sectional study was done following 6 months' post-earthquake in 500 victims in 5 most affected districts (Sindhupalchok, Kathmandu, Dadhing, Bhaktapur, and Kavre) Nepal from November till April, 2016. Altogether 500 earthquake-affected subjects aged from 16 to 80 years of age living in the transitional shelters were included in this study. Only 10% took meals ≥4 times per day and 90% took meal ≤3 times per day. Regarding smoking habit, 85.40% consumed ≤5 cigarettes per day, 13% consumed 6-10 cigarettes per day, 1% consumed occasionally, and 0.60% never consumed cigarettes. Majority of the participants had musculoskeletal (36.74%) problems followed by respiratory problems (13.02%), neurological and psychological problems (11.62%), and eye problems (11.16%). The general health, habits, nutritional intake of the people have been affected in the earthquake affected areas. It showed high musculoskeletal problems followed by respiratory problems, neurological and psychological problems, and eye problems. Data from this study may be used as basic information for health planning and future steps in health care preventive and therapeutic programs.