Learnings from conducting mental health research during 2004 tsunami in Tamil Nadu, India
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RESEARCH IN PRACTICE
Open Access
Learnings from conducting mental health research during 2004 tsunami in Tamil Nadu, India R. Padmavati*, Vijaya Raghavan, Heather Rera, Megan Kearns, Kotteeswara Rao, Sujit John and R. Thara
Abstract Background: The Indian Ocean tsunami experience in 2004 caused a major loss of life and subsequent emotional trauma for survivors. Psychosocial needs in the aftermath of this disaster were extensive, yet the cohesion and effectiveness of response were limited due to lack of preparedness and relevant policy. The Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) was one of the organizations that quickly responded to provide psychosocial assistance to people in the tsunami affected areas and recognized a need for relevant research on disaster response. Therefore, we undertook research on the challenges, success and limitations of psychosocial interventions in alleviating post-traumatic symptomology. Discussion: Both community-level workers and researchers were limited in their preparedness to carry out tasks related to response. Language barriers, cultural differences, and a gap in long-term services limited the breadth and scope of research that was able to be completed. Lack of policy, poor co-ordination of services, lack of trained researchers and limited resources were challenges that emerged during this period and various strategies were adopted to meet these challenges. Conclusions: Continued research and evaluation of data has brought crucial considerations to light, including the variance in symptomology, effective tools of measurement, and the nuanced response of survivors. Future research should take relevant factors into consideration including barriers to care. Understanding of the local language and religious beliefs are significant resources in understanding the nature of survivors’ trauma response and effective means of coping. Lastly, limitations regarding time frame and scope of research should be evaluated to provide more effective, comprehensive methods in future studies. Keywords: Research, Tsunami, Mental illness, Tsunami, Disaster management, Disaster psychology, Crisis response, Evaluation, LMICs
Background Humanitarian context
This research was conducted during the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004. An undersea earthquake that struck off the coast of Indonesia caused the ocean floor to suddenly rise, triggering a massive tsunami. A succession of waves proceeded to hit the coastlines of Thailand, India, Sri Lanka and South * Correspondence: [email protected] Schizophrenia Research Foundation, R/7A, North Main Road, Anna Nagar West Extension, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600101, India
Africa. The states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Andamans were most affected by the impact of the tsunami, with the highest loss of life, estimated at 7951 lives lost. In the state of Tamil Nadu [1]. As in any disaster, the needs of citizens in the aftermath of the tsunami were extensive. Aid organizations led with rescue and physical needs as a priority
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