Contents & Abstracts Volume 2012-1

The Australasian Journal of Disaster
and Trauma Studies
ISSN:  1174-4707
Volume : 2012-1

This journal publication has been revised and is now presented as a series of individual PDF files as linked below.
The complete issue can also be retrieved as a single PDF file.

Contents page - Volume 2012-1

Papers

Earthquake Risk Perception among Citizens in Kathmandu, Nepal
Pralhad Uprety & Anupama Poudel

Keywords: Disaster, Earthquake Awareness, Preparedness

Preparedness plays a very significant role in creating the seismic safety and thereby contributes to move forward to the path of peace, progress and prosperity. It is equally important for a nation like Nepal which is situated in the highly earthquake prone geographical location. Kathmandu valley, which is the capital of the country and the main hub for trade, commerce, education and administration, is considered as one of the earthquake prone areas. It is a highly populated area with an estimated population of about 2 million. The people and the development are concentrated in the three cities of the valley namely Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. Any future large earthquake is likely to cause serious effect to its citizens if the country fails to make adequate preparedness in advance

The present study tries to determine the linkage between the earthquake preparedness and other parameters in the urban parts of the Kathmandu valley using the household survey data collected from 430 respondents. The result shows that the variables such as experience of an earthquake and concern for the future damage significantly influenced the preparedness among the respondents in the study area.

Organisational Resilience and Recovery for Canterbury Organisations after the 4 September 2010 Earthquake
Kachali H., Stevenson J.R, Whitman Z., Seville E., Vargo J. & Wilson T

Keywords: organisations, disaster, resilience, recovery, industry sector, earthquake.

The 4 September 2010 Mw 7.1 Darfield earthquake had major physical, economic and social effects on organisations in Canterbury, New Zealand. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted between November 2010 and February 2011 of organisations based in the Canterbury region. Sampled organisations include those belonging to six industry sectors: fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), trucking, information and communication technology (ICT), hospitality, building suppliers and critical infrastructure. Also included are organisations from the Christchurch and Kaiapoi central business districts (CBDs) as well as rural organisations proximal to the fault trace.

Organisational recovery after the earthquake will be a major undertaking and the challenges vary for different organisations and industry sectors. This paper analyses the initial effects of the 4 September event across industry sectors and geographic areas. It also highlights possible interdependencies and system characteristics that affect recovery for these organisations and industry sectors. Other factors considered include the specific challenges organisations faced after this major hazard event.

Climate change and mental health following flood disasters in developing countries, A review of the epidemiological literature: What do we know, what is being recommended?
Andrew Crabtree

Keywords: Climate Change, Flooding, Mental Health

Among the expected consequences of climate change are extreme weather events, increased sea levels and the melting of glaciers all of which can lead to an increase in the number of flooding disasters which will impose greater burdens on vulnerable populations. This article reviews the epidemiological literature concerning climate related flooding and mental health. It also examines what is being recommended. All studies show that there are serious mental health problems following flooding events and this gives us good grounds to mainstream mental health issues in disaster response.

Psychiatric Comorbidity in Amputees With Average Sociodemographic Status and the Role of Theologic and Family Support In A Conflict Zone
Nasir Muzaffar, Imtiaz Mansoor, Arifa Hafeez, & Mushtaq Margoob

Keywords: Amputee; PTSD; Comorbidity; Theology; Defense

Aim: The present study is aimed at assessing the various socio demographic variables of amputees in a conflict zone of South Asia with regard to psychiatric comorbidities in a productive age group.

Materials and methods: A cohort of 100 amputees diagnosed and identified as per DSM-IV lead criteria for psychiatric comorbidity were included in the study. The data was categorized according to age, sex, residential address, socioeconomic status, education etc. Data obtained from the interview of the subjects was analyzed and simple percentages were obtained.

Results: Maximum number of amputee patients 63% (n=63) had major depressive disorder (MDD) followed by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 20% (n=20), impulse control disorder 19% (n=19), phantom limb phenomenon 14% (n=14), GAD 10% (n=10), panic disorder 6 %( n=6) and sub syndromal PTSD 4% (n=4). 16% (n=16) were patients having no psychiatric co morbidity. The comorbidity was present in 58% cases.

Conclusion: Major depressive disorder was the most common comorbidity followed by anxiety disorders in which PTSD subjects were majority followed by impulse control disorder and phantom phenomenon respectively. A significant number were having no symptoms of psychiatric illness in them. This subgroup is significant as they can provide an insight into defense mechanisms which promote healthy recovery and prevent chronic debilitating course associated with amputation

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