Shokoufeh Ahmadi1, Hamidreza Khankeh2, Robab Sahaf3, Asghar Dalvandi4, Seyed Ali Hosseini5, Fardin Alipour6. 1. Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2. Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institute, Sweden; Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Leipzig, Germany. Electronic address: Hamid.khankeh@ki.se. 3. Department of Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 4. Department of Nursing, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 5. Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 6. Department of Social Work, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: In many areas, natural disasters are a major challenge for life and property of people. Earthquake is one of the most devastating natural disasters. This study aimed to explore how older adults responded to challenges after the earthquake in Iran. METHODS: This study was based on qualitative analysis. Data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews. 29 participants including 18 older adult survivors of the earthquake-stricken areas, four lay caregivers, and three health professionals in disasters, one social worker, two relief worker and one disaster psychologist were interviewed. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The transcribed texts were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis recommended by Graneheim and Lundman (2004). RESULTS: The study explored two main categories regarding older adults' responses to challenges after the earthquake: adaptive and maladaptive responses. Adaptive response has been developed by four factors including; religious coping, sharing feelings and information, coping with new activities, roles and place. Also, maladaptive response was included; the lack of motivation to search for relief supplies, undue dependency, and decrease of social activities. CONCLUSION: Service providers are recommended to identify the patterns of vulnerability and cultural sensitivities in older adults' responses to manage the negative consequences of disasters on older adults. Furthermore, older adults can make a substantial contribution in recovery programs based on the adaptive responses, such as helping in the rescue efforts and psychological support from family and community after disasters.
OBJECTIVES: In many areas, natural disasters are a major challenge for life and property of people. Earthquake is one of the most devastating natural disasters. This study aimed to explore how older adults responded to challenges after the earthquake in Iran. METHODS: This study was based on qualitative analysis. Data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews. 29 participants including 18 older adult survivors of the earthquake-stricken areas, four lay caregivers, and three health professionals in disasters, one social worker, two relief worker and one disaster psychologist were interviewed. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The transcribed texts were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis recommended by Graneheim and Lundman (2004). RESULTS: The study explored two main categories regarding older adults' responses to challenges after the earthquake: adaptive and maladaptive responses. Adaptive response has been developed by four factors including; religious coping, sharing feelings and information, coping with new activities, roles and place. Also, maladaptive response was included; the lack of motivation to search for relief supplies, undue dependency, and decrease of social activities. CONCLUSION: Service providers are recommended to identify the patterns of vulnerability and cultural sensitivities in older adults' responses to manage the negative consequences of disasters on older adults. Furthermore, older adults can make a substantial contribution in recovery programs based on the adaptive responses, such as helping in the rescue efforts and psychological support from family and community after disasters.