Host characteristics as factors associated with the 2015 earthquake-induced injuries in Nepal: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study examines individual- and household-level factors associated with human injuries caused by two powerful earthquakes that hit Nepal on April 25 and May 12, 2015. A cross-sectional post-earthquake survey design was adopted to accomplish the objective of this study. Using random sampling, two of the 31 affected districts (Sindhupalchok and Lalitpur) were selected. Five study sites from each of the two districts were selected to administer questionnaire surveys. Focus group meetings and semi-structured formal and informal interviews with key informants were also used to collect relevant data. Building on previous studies, we considered nine risk factors for earthquake injuries in this study: five individual-level factors and four household-level factors. Using a goodness-of-fit chi-square test, we identified statistically significant risk factors of earthquake injuries in Nepal. Our results show that out of the nine factors, one individual-level factor – age – and two household-level factors – monthly income and type of main dwelling – were statistically significant. While long-term efforts to improve the economic conditions of those affected will reduce earthquake injuries, in the short-term, requiring seismic-resilient features in new construction and repairing damaged houses will substantially reduce earthquake injuries. Fortunately, the Nepalese Government has been ensuring that all houses are rebuilt and repaired to earthquake-resistant standards.