Health and nutrition survey of tsunami victims in Phang-Nga Province, Thailand.
The post-tsunami health and nutritional statuses of survivors were surveyed three months after the disaster struck. Non-participant observations and questionnaires were used to study the effects of the disaster on their lifestyles and health while residing in temporary shelters provided by the government and private donors. Anthropometrics were measured and dietary surveys conducted to elicit nutritional status. Our findings indicated good management of drinking water in the temporary shelters. Toilet construction and water supply were adequate, but wastewater and sewage systems were poorly managed. The study group still suffered from injuries after the disaster, and complained of back pain, stress, and sleep disorders. Most in the study group had unsatisfactory health behaviors, and obesity was an increasing problem among female participants.
Kwanbunjan
Karunee
K
Department of Tropical Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. tmkkb@mahidol.ac.th
Mas-ngammueng
Rungwit
R
Chusongsang
Phirapol
P
Chusongsang
Yupa
Y
Maneekan
Pannamas
P
Chantaranipapong
Yaowamarn
Y
Pooudong
Somchai
S
Butraporn
Piyarat
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001416:Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D004032:Diet; D004190:Disasters; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000453:epidemiology; D013785:Thailand; D018505:Waste Management; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards