The Psychological Impact of Floods on Mental Health and Well-being: A Sociological Investigation in District Hyderabad, Sindh Pakistan

Shahnaz Bhutto; Wang  Suyuhan

doi:10.59890/ijaep.v1i2.14250

Authors

Shahnaz Bhutto Hohai University Nanjing
Wang Suyuhan Hohai University Nanjing

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijaep.v1i2.14250

Keywords:

Floods, Mental Health, PTSD, Well-being, Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the psychological impact of the 2022 floods in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, employing a cross-sectional design with 500 flood-affected adults selected through stratified random sampling. Using validated scales (PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5) and Likert-based questionnaires, we assessed mental health symptoms, coping mechanisms, and socioeconomic impacts. Results revealed alarming rates of depression (68%), anxiety (62%), and PTSD (55%), with women exhibiting significantly higher severity (depression: 4.5 vs. 3.9; anxiety: 4.3 vs. 3.7; PTSD: 4.1 vs. 3.5; p < 0.05). While religious practices (64%) and social support (50%) were primary coping strategies, only 8% accessed professional counseling despite 72% expressing need. Socioeconomic devastation—property damage (82%), income loss (75%)—exacerbated distress, with inadequate government recovery efforts (12% satisfaction). The study underscores the urgent need for integrated mental health interventions (CBT, trauma therapy) combined with gender-sensitive poverty alleviation, addressing systemic gaps in Pakistan’s disaster response framework. These findings advocate for community-based, culturally adapted mental health services to break the poverty-mental illness cycle in flood-prone regions

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