Paper
Saturday, November 3, 2007
65
Mental Health and Cultural Issues following the Tsunami in Sri Lanka
Monica Herdrich, RN, BSN, Critical Care Unit, Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, IL, USA and Jeanette Rossetti, EdD, RN, School of Nursing, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA.
| Learning Objective #1: identify the community response of shock and
other mental issues following the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka.
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| Learning Objective #2: describe the current challenges which face the
tsunami victims in Sri Lanka.
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The research project observed the challenges facing Sri Lankans after enduring the catastrophic effects of the 2004 tsunami. Interviews were held with local care providers in an attempt to determine the extent of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the challenges faced by the victims of the tsunami. Special attention was given to the nursing care provided to the victims thus obtaining a global nursing perspective. Four themes emerged from the qualitative data analysis of the interview transcripts and are as follows: 1.The signs and symptoms of stress immediately after the tsunami were significant and included somatic symptoms as well as shock and mental health issues; 2. There was significant support for the victims which arose from various sectors including international health care providers, religions in Sri Lanka, primarily Buddhist, 1st line responders, and community and government authorities; 3. There is a general disregard for the long term impact of traumatic events by the general population and many medical personnel; 4. The ongoing challenges that the victims face include housing and lack of jobs, alcoholism/ drug abuse, and sexual assaults/ pregnancy. The research study findings give nurses information on the current challenges which face the tsunami victims as well as the cultural attitudes on stress disorders. This offers nurses ongoing education regarding various cultural aspects they may encounter in practice regarding patients and PTSD.