An assessment of the mental health and psychosocial status and needs of earthquake-affected communities in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Makwanpur districts

This was a research project conducted by TPO Nepal with the support of American Red Cross, Spanish Red Cross and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society in collaboration with Nepal Red Cross Society from November 2016 to March 2017. Its objective was to evaluate the long-term psychosocial and mental health needs of the affected population in order to develop appropriate interventions to address those needs.

A research report titled “Hidden Aftershocks: An assessment of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Needs of Earthquake Affected Communities in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Makwanpur districts” was disseminated after the project. The most commonly reported mental health and psychosocial problems were depression symptoms (39.4%), anxiety symptoms (38.4%), alcohol use problems(25.5%), and suicidal thoughts (21.7%). Similarly, symptom of mental health problems were relatively higher among women, individuals who were widowed, separated or divorced from their partners, and members of minority ethnic groups including Chepang, Magar, Newar, and Tharu. The qualitative findings showed that people used both positive and negative coping strategies after the disaster and they commonly went to traditional healers and religious leaders to seek support. The detailed report can be read here:

https://app.mhpss.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/hidden_aftershocks_full_report_1.pdf