KUMJ | VOL. 14 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 55 | JULY-SEPT. 2016
Analysis of Post Earthquake Disease Pattern in a Camp at Gyampesal Gorkha
Malla T, Malla KK, Singh SK, Shrestha S
Abstract: Background
A major earthquake occurred in Nepal on 25th April 2015 with magnitude of 7.8
causing mass panic amongst people.
Objective
To analyze scenario, experience and disease pattern of Post Earthquake camp at
Gyampesal, Gorkha.
Method
A prospective observational study done on 13th and 14th June 2015 in a population
who attended the health camp at health post, Gyampesal Gorkha. Analysis was done
for age, sex, and disease pattern. Medicines for their health problems was provided
by Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal Pediatric Society and Children Welfare
in Nepal, Kathmandu.
Result
Total 159 patients [80.5% children and 19.5% adults] had attended the health camp.
The mean age of children was 6.18±4.27 SD with maximum between 2-5 years (39%)
and mean age of adults was 37.87±14.07 SD. Among the children males were more
(50.8%) than females but in adult group females (83.9%) were more. Most common
complaints were earthquake related fear (Children- 60.23% / adults -71%), insect bite
[children -25.8% /adults -35.5%], pain abdomen (children- 64.1% / adult -38.7%) and
decreased appetite (children- 83.6% / adults - 16.1%). Pain abdomen and decreased
appetite was significantly high in children with p <0.009 and 0.001 respectively. The
common disease patterns noted in children were recurrent abdominal pain (25%),
acute gastroenteritis (19.5%), upper respiratory tract infections (15.6%), Impetigo
(15.6%), Dental caries(10%), Pityriasis alba (10%). In adults Acid peptic disease
(51.6%), Headache (32.5%), hypertension, Upper respiratory infections, scabies and
Urinary tract infection (16%), Acute gastroenteritis (13%) was common.
Conclusion
Earthquake related fear, insect bite and Communicable diseases both airborne
and water borne were the commonest findings observed. Therefore basic needs
and services like safe water and sanitation, adequate shelter, primary healthcare
services and vector-control campaigns are crucial and essential for these displaced
populations.
Keyword : Children, disease pattern, earthquake
