Korean J Psychosom Med.  2018 Dec;26(2):179-187. 10.22722/KJPM.2018.26.2.179.

A Study on Psychological and Physical Health of Families of Victims One Year after the Sewol Ferry Disaster

• Ko JK
• Han E
• Shin C
• Lee SH
• Park SA
• An S
• Ko YH

• KMID: 2437570
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22722/KJPM.2018.26.2.179

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to assess physical illnesses, psychological difficulties, and daily life function of victims' family members one year after the Sewol ferry disaster, in order to establish a basis of strategies to promote their mental health and resilience.
METHODS
We statistically analyzed self-reported data collected from a survey conducted between March 22 and 28, 2015 with 139 family members of victims.
RESULTS
All respondents complained about one or more psychological difficulties, and 95.4% of them had newly diagnosed or exacerbated physical illnesses. An increased number of psychological difficulties was associated with a greater tendency to present physical illnesses including chronic headache, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, obstetrico-gynecological, genitourinary, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the majority of respondents reported a decrease in life functioning. Specifically, 71.9% reported interpersonal avoidance and 63.9% reported difficulty in returning to work.
CONCLUSIONS
Not only psychological trauma but also physical illness and daily functioning should be evaluated in detail and actively addressed in the bereaved family members after a catastrophe.

Keyword

Sewol ferry sinking; Disaster; Psychological trauma; Physical illness

MeSH Terms

Cardiovascular Diseases
Disasters*
Headache Disorders
Humans
Mental Health
Psychological Trauma
Surveys and Questionnaires