Quality of Life and Happiness of the Students in the Disaster Area: 6 Years after the Tsunami at Takua Pa District, Phang Nga, Thailand
Vinadda Piyasil MD*, Tanawan Thammawasi MD*, Lakkana Tasri MD*, Perayut Chaiyakun MD*, Panom Ketumarn MD**, Nuttorn Pityaratsatian MD*** Nantawat Sitdhiraksa MD**, Sirirat Ularntinon MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Psychiatry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand *** Department of Psychiatry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : The Tsunami disaster, which occurred on December 26, 2004 in Thailand, caused enormous damage to life,
property and community. Although the tragedy occurred 6 years ago, many children and adolescents still suffer from mental
health problems.
Objective : To determine the quality of life and happiness of students who live in the Tsunami disaster area 6 years after the
tragedy.
Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was done on 648 students from three schools in Takua Pa district, Phang Nga.
They had been provided with psychological or support by multidisciplinary teams from Queen Sirikit National Institute of
Child Health, Siriraj Hospital and Chulalongkorn Hospital. The questionnaires consisted of 3 subsets which were self-report
of general information, pediatric quality of life inventory and Thai happiness indicator.
Results : The student’s quality of life was low 15.1%, moderate 68.7% and high 16.2%. Eighteen percent had good (27-42)
score higher, 38% had a fair (27-32) score and 44% had a poor (<27) score. Females and high school performance were
associated with happiness.
Conclusion : Disasters have long lasting effects on victims, especially in children. Although this group of children had
regularly received assistance including welfare, finance, education and health advice, most had fair quality of life scores were
fair and poor-is this needed. Nearly half of them had happiness level scores less than average. They still have psychosocial
problems and will need long-term monitoring, support and assistance.
Keywords : Tsunami disaster, Quality of life, Happiness index
