Symptoms and coping in Sri Lanka 20-21 months after the 2004 tsunami.

Background: The estimated prevalence of clinically significant psychiatric and somatic symptoms in adults >1 year after the 2004 Asian tsunami is unknown.

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of psychiatric and somatic symptoms and impairment in Sri Lanka 20-21 months after the 2004 Asian tsunami, and to assess coping strategies used by tsunami-affected individuals that contribute to post-tsunami adjustment.

Method: Homes from one severely affected area were randomly selected, and adult respondents were sampled utilising a modified Kish method.