Terrorist bombing at the USA Embassy in Nairobi: the media response.
BACKGROUND
On 7th August 1998, a terrorist bomb destroyed the American Embassy in Nairobi, killing and injuring thousands of people.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the media component of the (larger) mental health response, and evaluate the impact of the intervention.


METHODS
Descriptive cross sectional study.


METHODS
Nairobi, three months after the explosion.


METHODS
Residents of Nairobi and outlying areas, exposed to the bomb blast and who received Radio and TV coverage about the explosion.


METHODS
Radio and TV broadcasts, starting hours after the explosion and continuing for two weeks thereafter.


RESULTS
Of a sample of 400 respondents interviewed, 172 reported they were affected by the bomb blast, either directly or through friends and relatives. TV and radio had the highest reach, (89% and 85%) respectively. Seventy per cent felt the programmes gave victims hope and 90% felt the programmes should continue, as they were helpful to the needy.


CONCLUSIONS
The media is a controversial, sometimes overused and at times underused resource in Disaster Management. Judicious use of the media was shown to be helpful in this study. Literature supports media interventions in disaster. Doctors working in disaster areas need to understand the media and to prepare for its use as it compliments other interventions.
Njenga
F G
FG
Upper Hill Medical Centre, P.O. Box 73749 Nairobi 00200.
Nyamai
C
C
Kigamwa
P
P
D000328:Adult; D003146:Communications Media / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D023481:Terrorism / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology