Abstract

Objectives: Iran is one of the top 10 countries where earthquake is one of the main problems. In devastating Bam earthquake of September 2003, more than four thousand people were killed and almost 100 of buildings were destroyed. This study is an evaluation of the traumatic effect of this disaster on survivors. Patients and Methods: Three month after the earthquake, two hundred twenty six survivors who were referred to health services centers were enrolled in completing a questionnaire which included demographic data, risk factors and SIP (Top-8) PTSD screening. Results: Two hundred and one (89.2) of respondents had PTSD symptoms, 62 had physical injury and 67.7 had a loss of close family member. There was a positive personal psychological history in 38.7 and positive family history of psychological problem in 42.8 of cases. PTSD symptoms were severe in 34, moderate in 30 and mild in 28. Conclusion: There is a higher incidence and severity of PTSD symptoms in survivors of earthquake who had lost close family member or has been using psychiatric help after or before earthquake.