Abstract:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among earthquake survivors, and will adversely affect individuals, families and societies. Recent systematic review study showed that the number of health related academic articles dropped dramatically 2 years after the earthquake, which, to some extent, reflected, that researchers ignored the long term impact of a disaster to the affected population. Clearly, then, there is a need for more research on the long-term health consequences of earthquake. This study is a follow-up study conducted among survivors of the Sichuan earthquake, based on six-wave repeated cross-sectional survey during 2008 to 2016. Following questions will be answered: what is the prevalence of probable PTSD at different time points following an earthquake? Why people have different symptoms: Chronic, delayed, recovered, and resilience? How is the relationship between PTSD and changes of income, relationship and resources? When and how to organize and promote activities for PTSD intervention? The results of this study have theoretical significance and may be helpful for further mental health interventions for survivors after earthquakes. It will provide references for policymakers to make policy for public health service in disaster.

Key words: Earthquake, PTSD, Long-term impact