China has one of the countries with highest occurrence of disasters and disasters are disproportionately affecting rural area of China where ethnic minorities are inhibiting. Limited studies have been conducted to examine how mental health of ethnic minorities in China might be affected by disasters. Through qualitative focus group study methods, this multi-site project examines the mental health impact of disasters in ethnic minority groups in rural China.

20 focus groups were conducted in rural Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu and Hainan province of China to understand the mental health impact and coping of disasters during 2008–2010. Ethnic minority groups including Tai, Naxi, Li, Jiang and Hui affected by earthquake, flooding, mudslide, storm and snow storm were included for the focus group interviews. Guided questions were used and male and female participants participated separately in different groups. Focus groups were held at common area within the village and were all type recorded and transcribed for analyses. Saturation of data was reached and thematic analyses were conducted.

Whilst distress, including mood disturbance, sleep problems and heightened arousal after disaster occurrences, were reported among respondents, when compared with Han Chinese affected in disasters, ethnic minority respondents reported more resilience and coping capacity post disaster. Gender impact and gaps in mental health service were identified.

Study results disparities in resilience and coping behavior among different ethnic groups in China. More in-depth studies should be conducted to understand post disaster mental health needs and service utilization of ethnic minorities in China.