Personal Coping Strategies of First Responders in an Islamic Culture: A retrospective qualitative case study post-Derna floods (2023)

Context: First responders are susceptible to significant psycho-social trauma, especially in large disasters. Limited research has explored the impact of the Derna disaster on this workforce. Therefore, it is important to understand its effects and the coping mechanisms used within the Islamic cultural context. Methods: The study used the civilian PCL-4 to assess PTSD symptoms. Eighteen semi-structured interviews with first responders were conducted from October 2024 to January 2025. Data collected included demographics, PTSD symptoms, post-disaster experiences, and coping strategies. Results: All respondents used at least one coping method, with self-distraction and avoidance being the most common. Most responders showed “possible” or “probable” PTSD, with some at high risk. Adaptive coping methods, such as planning, active coping, and religious practices, were linked to fewer PTSD symptoms, while avoidance and isolation correlated with greater distress. Doctors favored communication and acceptance, while support staff relied more on active coping and isolation. Doctors and support staff, however, exhibited similar levels of distress. Longer disaster exposure increased PTSD symptoms, suggesting cumulative stress effects. Implications: Targeted mental health interventions that promote adaptive coping, considering occupational roles, and limiting exposure duration, may mitigate long-term psychological impacts. We recommend developing comprehensive training programs that address personal recovery and organizational support. Training should incorporate adaptive coping methods such as structured planning, active problem-solving, seeking social support, and recognizing the importance of religious and spiritual coping. Research is needed to identify resilience factors, including spirituality, to inform targeted interventions that enhance first responders' psycho-spiritual-social well-being.