[Natural disaster and effects on the health]

A research was set up among the residents in the seismic epicentral zone of the earthquake which hit the Marches and Umbria in September 1997, using an appropriately formulated questionnaire to assess the repercussions of the seismic event on the psycho-physical condition of the population. Was also administered the Croq and Steinitz questionnaire for post-traumatic stress. The results obtained show that the state of health was undermined by the aggravation of already existent syndromes. Despite the powerful emotional reaction that the earthquake produced, there was found to be only a medium to light level of trauma. 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.