A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Coping Strategies Among Adult Earthquake Survivors in Nepal: Challenges in Post-Earthquake Fieldwork

Abstract

Descriptive research is defined as a research method that describes the characteristics of the population or phenomenon that is being studied, without influencing or trying to interpret it at that moment. Descriptive cross-sectional designs in post-earthquake situations require field work and surveys, and the field visits, observations, and data collection are often constrained by the circumstances of the disaster events. There are special challenges and difficulties in sampling and data collection on both individuals and groups affected physically and mentally by the earthquake. This case study provides deep insight into the descriptive research methodology, as well as challenges and practical lessons learned by a researcher collecting data in rural Nepal during a post-earthquake period.