Evaluating mental health after the 2010 Haitian earthquake

Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2011 Jun;5(2):154-7. doi: 10.1001/dmp.2011.31. Epub 2011 Mar 28.

Abstract

Mental health is an important aspect of public health after a disaster. This article describes what is known and what remains to be learned regarding the mental health impact of the January 12, 2010, earthquake in Haiti. Public health surveillance efforts in Haiti and the United States in the first 2 months after the earthquake are described. Challenges in clinical assessment and public health surveillance are explored. Potential implications for survivors and public health officials are considered.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Community Mental Health Services
  • Earthquakes / statistics & numerical data*
  • Haiti / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Mental Health*
  • Population Surveillance
  • Psychometrics
  • Public Health
  • Relief Work*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / etiology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Stress, Psychological / complications
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Time Factors