Abstract
BackgroundThe 2008 Wenchuan earthquake resulted in extensive loss of life and physical and psychological injuries for survivors. This research examines the relationship between social support and health-related quality of life for the earthquake survivors.MethodsA multistage cluster sampling strategy was employed to select participants from 11 shelters in nine counties exposed to different degrees of earthquake damage, for a questionnaire survey. The participants were asked to complete the Short Form 36 and the Social Support Rating Scale eight months after the earthquake struck. A total of 1617 participants returned the questionnaires. The quality of life of the survivors (in the four weeks preceding the survey) was compared with that of the general population in the region. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and canonical correlation analysis were performed to determine the association between social support and quality of life.ResultsThe earthquake survivors reported poorer quality of life than the general population, with an average of 4.8% to 19.62% reduction in scores of the SF-36 (p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that those with stronger social support were more likely to have better quality of life. The canonical correlation analysis found that there was a discrepancy between actual social support received and perceived social support available, and the magnitude of this discrepancy was inversely related to perceived general health (rs = 0.467), and positively related to mental health (rs = 0.395).ConclusionSocial support is associated with quality of life in the survivors of the earthquake. More attention needs to be paid to increasing social support for those with poorer mental health.
Highlights
The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake resulted in extensive loss of life and physical and psychological injuries for survivors
We report on the association between social support and health related quality of life (HRQoL) among the earthquake survivors which was examined through multivariate logistic regression analysis and canonical correlation analysis
The survivors living in Zone Two and Zone Three were more likely to be adversely affected in the performance of daily roles (RP and Role Limitations Due to Emotional Problems (RE)) than those living in Zone One
Summary
The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake resulted in extensive loss of life and physical and psychological injuries for survivors. This research examines the relationship between social support and health-related quality of life for the earthquake survivors. Of magnitude 8.0, struck Wenchuan in South West China on 12 May 2008. The earthquake resulted in 69,227 deaths, with another 17,923 missing and an additional 374,643 injured [1]. Earthquakes can have serious psychological impacts for survivors as well as physical injuries and the exacerbation of existing physical conditions [2]. Previous research has examined the psychological consequences of earthquakes on survivors [2,3,4,5,6,7]. The health hazards of earthquakes go beyond psychological consequences.
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