Preliminary evaluation of the psychosomatic well-being of a population exposed to earthquakes

The AAfirst describe the seismic event which hit the Marches and Umbria in September 1997, when they administered an appropriately formulated questionnaire to a random population sample of residents in the seismic epicentral zone. The purpose of this epidemiological survey was to assess the repercussions of the seismic event on the psycho¬physical condition of the population. The results obtained show that the state 01 health was undermined by the aggravation of already existent syndromes, also in vie w ofthe advanced age ofthe subjects, and by the appearance of pathologies such as depression, anxiety, aggression, tiredness, insomnia and, in some cases, a never previously diagnosed hypertension.In addition, the survey brings out some problems regarding the life style in the prefabricated huts, both in terms of comfort and of building characteristics (presence of damp, inadequate heat insulation and soundproofing, etc.). Finally, the AA suggest that, beginning from the schools, periodic theoretical and practical campaigns should be carried out to reinforce the behavior needed in the case of earthquakes, and, as occurred on the occasion of the event in question, that "listening posts" should be set up whenever the population is faced by a natural catastrophe.