Citation

Maltais D, Lachance L, Fortin M, Lalande G, Robichaud S, Fortin C, Simard A. Sante Ment. Que. 2000; 25(1): 116-137.

Vernacular Title

L'etat de sante psychologique et physique des sinistres des inondations de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Communaute et Sante Mentale)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18253574

Abstract

In July 1996, the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region suffered one of the greatest natural disasters in Quebec's history. This article presents results of a study aiming at comparing, two years after the flood, the physical and psychological health condition of victims (n=177) to that of non-victims (n=168). The results indicate that victims, - regardless of their gender - present a psychological well-being as well as a post-disaster physical health that is different from non-victims. Disaster victims are much more numerous than non-victims in considering that their health is bad or average and in witnessing new health problems or the exacerbation of existing problems. Victims also present more manifestations of prosttraumatic stress and somatic complaints, have higher levels of depression, anxiety and social dysfunction than non-victims. However, no significant difference between subjects was revealed concerning severe depression. Results obtained corroborated that of other studies. Aftera natural or technological disaster involving important material damages to individual belongings, victims are more affected than non-victims concerning their psychological and physical health.

Language: fr