Anxiety symptoms among children after the Wenchuan earthquake in China

Abstract

Aim: We explore the prevalence and risk factors of anxiety symptoms among child survivors after an earthquake. Methods: This study was conducted among children aged 7–15 years in Qingchuan County 1 year after the Wenchuan earthquake. Trauma experiences and anxiety symptoms were assessed with a modified earthquake exposure scale and the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale. A total of 21,652 children participated in the survey. Results: The prevalence rate of anxiety symptoms was 18.9% among all participants. In a multivariate analysis, anxiety symptoms were significantly associated with gender, age, cultural differences and earthquake exposure. Anxiety symptoms were common among children in the Wenchuan earthquake area 1 year after the earthquake. Gender, age, culture and traumatic experiences from the earthquake may significantly influence anxiety symptoms among children. Discussion: This study provides baseline data about psychological outcomes among child survivors following an earthquake.

• Anxiety symptoms
• Children
• Post-earthquake

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Professor S. Chen and Professor M.Y. Qian for their authorization of the scales. We also express thanks to X. Zhao for assistance with data collection.

Declaration of interestThe authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This study was supported by the National Eleventh Five-Year Research Program of China (2007BAI17B02).