Women's information needs in mental health in disasters

Abstract

AIM AND BACKGROUND: Women are among vulnerable groups and susceptible to mental health problems during any disaster. Therefore, the current study aims to identify the mental health information needs of women during disasters. METHODS: This is a qualitative study carried out using content analysis method through semi-structured interviews with 27 participants in cities of Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad during the year 2018. RESULTS: The summary of the findings indicated 8 components and 25 subcomponents for health information needs of women during disasters. These information needs included primary needs and secondary needs such as psychological, social, cultural, support and rescue, policy-making, media coverage, and environmental needs. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study can be used by authorities and policy-makers during disasters and rescue efforts for the female population and can help improve the general health status of the society.