Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety in Post-Flood Populations of Sindh and South Punjab

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Floods are among the most devastating natural disasters, with profound consequences for physical and psychological well-being. In Pakistan, recurrent flooding has led to widespread displacement and loss, yet the mental health impacts remain underexplored. Understanding post-flood depression and anxiety is essential for developing effective disaster-response strategies and long-term psychosocial interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety among flood-affected populations in Sindh and South Punjab and to identify sociodemographic and environmental factors associated with increased psychological distress.

METHODOLOGY: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted between June and September 2024 among 368 adults from Sukkur (Sindh) and Multan (South Punjab). Participants were selected from private hospitals and outreach clinics. Depression and anxiety were measured using the validated Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v25 with parametric tests and multivariate regression models. Qualitative interviews with 30 participants explored experiences of displacement, loss, and coping. Ethical approval (IRB-FLOOD-2024-05) and informed consent were obtained.

RESULTS: The mean PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores were 12.1 ± 5.4 and 10.8 ± 4.9, respectively. Moderate-to-severe depression affected 43.7% of participants, and 40.5% exhibited moderate-to-severe anxiety. Female gender, displacement, and complete livelihood loss were significant predictors of both depression and anxiety (p < 0.05). Qualitative analysis identified themes of loss, uncertainty, and coping through community and faith, underscoring sociocultural dimensions of resilience.

CONCLUSION: Depression and anxiety remain highly prevalent among flood survivors in Pakistan, particularly among women and displaced populations. Integrating culturally sensitive mental health services into disaster management is essential to promote long-term recovery and resilience.

KEY TERMS: Anxiety Disorders; Depression; Disasters; Floods; Mental Health; Pakistan; Psychological Resilience