Journal of Psychiatry

Emotional distress and coping following the 2015 major earthquake in Sabah, Malaysia

29^th World Psychiatrists Meet

DECEMBER 07-08, 2017 DUBAI, UAE

Rafidah Bahari, Mohamed Ikram Mohamed Salleh, Muhammad Najib Mohamad Alwi, Muhammad Ihsan Tusirin, Amalina Syafiqah Zakaria, Nurul Fatin Ismail, Arifah Abd Rahman and Mohd Hasif Mohd Ramlee

Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences, Malaysia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Psychiatry

Abstract:

Introduction: In June 2015, an earthquake shook the quiet district of Ranau in Sabah, Malaysia. Measuring 6.0 in magnitude, it was the worst to affect the area since 1976. Major natural disaster does not only result in destruction and physical injuries. Psychological consequences are frequent but are seldom recognized. Left unchecked, they can result in disabling mental and physical conditions. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the emotional impact of the earthquake on the residents of Ranau and the coping strategies used to deal with the emotional distress. Methods: This study was conducted during humanitarian missions to villages in Ranau between August and November 2015. Convenient sampling was done which included residents present during the earthquake and aged at least 18. This study uses a qualitative exploration design. Subjects gave written consent to participate and were interviewed individually using a semistructured interview schedule. Results: A total of 119 subjects were interviewed. Al subjects admitted to having emotional distress especially immediately in the aftermath of the major earthquake. The most common emotional sequel was fear, followed by shock and worry. For most, the distress lasted about 2 weeks. Subjects used a variety of psychological, social and religious coping techniques to manage their emotional distress. Many quoted acceptance, prayers, talking about the event and good social support as the most beneficial methods for handling their distress. Very few have received counseling for their symptom. Conclusion: Emotional distress is extremely common in the residents of Ranau following the big earthquake in 2015. Fortunately for the majority, symptoms were self-limiting. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to explore the long term impact of such an event in this population. References: 1. Bahari R, Mohamad Alwi M N, Jahan N, Ahmad M R, Mohd Saiboon I (2016) How do people cope with post traumatic distress after an accident? The role of psychological, social and spiritual coping in Malaysian Muslim patients. European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counseling, 2537: 1-18. 2. Bahari R, Alwi M N M, Ahmad M R, Saiboon I M (2015) Translation and Validation of the Malay Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Civilians. Asian Journal of Psychiatry; 16(2).

Biography :

Rafidah Bahari has obtained her Medical degree from the Queen’s University of Belfast and Membership of the Royal Colleges of Psychiatrist from the Royal College of Psychiatrist in London. She is currently pursuing her PhD form Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences, Malaysia, in developing a novel faith based intervention for PTSD. Her research interests include PTSD, spiritual and religious interventions, validation, systematic reviews and qualitative studies.