A systematic review of health problemsfollowing tsunamis

Abstract: Asystematic review of health problems following tsunamis Introduction: Tsunamis are sudden onset disasters with substantial impact on human health. Toidentify the relationship between tsunamis and health problems, the evidence must besystematically reviewed. Through this, health care response can be planned accordingly. Aim: To identify the health problems following tsunamis in order to guide medical response.Methods and materials: Four databases (Medline, Global Health, Web of Science CoreCollection and Embase) were searched using an inclusive search strategy in September 2018.The inclusion criteria were published, peer-reviewed articles on morbidity with data frommedical health facilities following tsunamis, where a control or comparison group was used toanalyze the tsunami outcome. Studies on mental health problems were excluded. The studieswere analyzed through narrative synthesis. Results: Eleven articles were included in the review. There was an increase in non-traumaticconditions reported in the immediate aftermath of tsunamis. Long-term health problems on thetsunami-affected population were seen up to three years after a tsunami. There is a lack of highqualityarticles on health problems after tsunamis. Conclusions: Medical response should prepare for trauma and non-trauma care shortly after atsunami and expect an increase in certain health problems several years post-tsunami. Existing,high-quality research is limited, and this review could not capture all tsunami-related healthproblems. Future studies that identify available evidence on health care needs after tsunamisshould consider using scoping reviews to cover a broader base of literature.