Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Flood-Affected Population Residing at Dadu

Abstract

Background: Flood is one of the most destructive natural disaster in the world. Floods have significant negative effects on people's physical, social, economic, and psychological well-being. Over the past few decades, floods have frequently occurred in Pakistan. Millions of people were severely affected, especially in Sindh Province. The population of Tehsil Johi in District Dadu faces severe risks from climate-related disasters, yet studies have not explored how these disasters affect their mental health over time. Objective: The study aimed to determine the the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the flood affected population residing in tehsil Johi district Dadu, Sindh. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the flood affected areas of tehsil Johi, district Dadu, Sindh, from November 2024 to April 2025. A total of 341 flood affected population were recruited, aged at least 18 years old, lived in the area during the most recent flood event and were willing to participate, using a non-probability purposive sampling method. Data was collected using a semi structured and structured questionnaire covering demographics characteristics, flood related experiences, and PTSD assessment. PTSD was evaluated using PCL-5. Data was analyzed using SPSS v24, with descriptive statistics presented as frequencies, percentages and mean ± SD, and inferential analysis performed using the Chi-square test, t-test and Anova test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The majority of participants were aged 31–45 years (42.5%). Most of the participants were female gender (53%), having low monthly income (55.7%) and were literate (64.8%). (81.8%) participant reported Displacement as most traumatic experience. A significant portion of the participants (71.8%) suffered property loss, and (61.6%) faced acute food insecurity. Poor housing condition were found as the significant risk factors for PTSD (p<0.001). Notably, homeowners exhibited significantly higher PTSD rates than renters (p=0.042), larger family size shows higher PTSD than smaller (p<0.005), and also long-term residents (>20 years) showed a greater PTSD compared to short-term residents (p<0.001). Conclusion: Floods affected population showed significantly PTSD, that highlighting the need for preventive programs, particularly for vulnerable and economically disadvantaged population.