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Comparison of Factors Influencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following Floods: Iran versus Developed Countries
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Seyed Hassan Saadat   , Shima Shahyad * |
| Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , shima.shahyad@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (33 Views) |
Background and Aim: Floods are among the most common natural disasters worldwide, leading to widespread psychological consequences, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to compare the prevalence and risk/protective factors of PTSD related to floods in Iran and developed countries.
Methods: This research was conducted as a narrative-comparative review. Data were gathered through searches of international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) and domestic databases (SID, Magiran) using keywords related to PTSD, floods, risk factors, protective factors, and their Persian equivalents, covering the period from 2000 to 2025. Studies from Iran and selected developed countries (United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, China, and Germany) were extracted and subjected to comparative analysis.
Results: Based on the reviewed studies, the prevalence of flood-related PTSD in Iran ranged from 12% to 64%, while in developed countries, it ranged from 5.7% to 45%. The patterns of risk and protective factors were similar in both groups. Risk factors were categorized into four main domains: 1) demographic and individual characteristics, 2) severity and nature of flood exposure, 3) secondary stressors and socioeconomic consequences, and 4) psychological history and personality traits. Protective factors were grouped into three key areas: 1) individual and psychological resources, 2) social support and collective capital, and 3) access to services and institutional response. Despite Iran's relatively strong social support networks, a notable weakness in structured and systematic interventions compared to developed countries was observed.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that, despite initial efforts to address the psychological impacts of floods, Iran continues to face challenges such as the lack of a national PTSD screening system, insufficient longitudinal data, and weak integration of psychological services with socioeconomic support. This study emphasizes the necessity of developing an integrated national model for post-disaster mental health, leveraging successful international experiences, and implementing combined psychosocial interventions for high-risk groups.
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| Keywords: Flood, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Protective Factors |
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Full-Text [PDF 419 kb]
(37 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Marine Medicine
Received: 2025/10/11 | Accepted: 2025/11/3 | Published: 2025/12/1
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