Behavior Problem and Mental Health of Children Affected by Floods-2022 in Pakistan

Abstract

Objectives The present study aimed to examine the association between socio-demographic characteristics, damage to perceived needs, post-traumatic stress symptoms, general effect of flood and behavior problems among flood-affected children. Method Cross-sectional research design was used. A sample of 76 children (aged 8–16 years, experienced extreme hazard flood event) was collected from two schools in a flood-affected rural community in South Punjab-Pakistan through purposive sampling. Children revised impact of event scale-13 and a pediatric symptom checklist were used to screen for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and internalizing, externalizing or inattention behavior problems respectively. Results Primary school children who reported financial loss in terms of damage to houses, difficulty faced by parents in building new houses and living in tents were more affected by the flood. Age was a significant positive predictor of the general effect of flood on children. Female children positively predicted arousal PTSD and pediatric behavior problems including inattention problems. Moreover, children who lost their pets had more post-traumatic stress symptoms, as well as externalizing and inattention behavior problems. Number of times previously exposed to floods positively predicted arousal PTSD. Post-traumatic stress symptoms positively predicted behavior problems. Conclusion Primary school children affected by a flood are at greatest risk of developing behavior and mental health problems.