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Cross-Sectional Data Within 1 Year of the Fukushima Meltdown: Effect-Size of Predictors for Depression. Community Ment Health J 2016; 52:94-101. [PMID: 25820986 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-015-9869-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study investigates effect sizes of depression predictors in a community close to the Fukushima, Japan nuclear reactor damaged by the 11 March, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Subjects volunteered for assessment between December, 2011 and March, 2012. Of 466 individuals (351 female, mean age 60.4 year, SD = 14.0), 23 % of the female participants and 17 % of the male participants could be diagnosed with depression. The strongest predictors were house damage, age, income reduction, home water incursion, and casualty acquaintance. Education level, location during disaster, and workplace damage proved non-significant. The high number of retired/unemployed in the sample may have influenced outcome. Results suggest sampling influences the applicability of Conservation of Resources model to a disaster event.
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252
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Fu C, Underwood C. A meta-review of school-based disaster interventions for child and adolescent survivors. J Child Adolesc Ment Health 2015; 27:161-71. [DOI: 10.2989/17280583.2015.1117978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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253
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Study Design and Results of a Population-Based Study on Perceived Stress Following Hurricane Sandy. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2015; 10:325-32. [PMID: 27113715 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2015.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hurricane Sandy was one of the deadliest storms in US history, with at least 162 deaths and numerous injuries. This research aimed to quantify the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the New York metropolitan area. METHODS The project included 601 volunteers aged at least 18 years who were recruited in Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Richmond counties and Staten Island between 2013 and 2014 through close partnerships with coalition community leaders. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on demographics and behavioral factors and a 35-point check off list on hurricane exposure. Perceived stress was assessed by using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). RESULTS Participants had a mean stress score of 15.6 (SD=7.3; vs general population mean of 13.0), with 30.14% of the sample categorized as "high stress" (mean≥20). In the multivariable regression analysis, age was significantly negatively associated with PSS score. A reported history of mental health issues, Hispanic ethnicity, and overall exposure to Hurricane Sandy were statistically significantly associated with PSS score in a positive direction. CONCLUSIONS Perceived stress was high in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy and was significantly associated with individual hurricane exposure. This study is a first step toward defining what segments of the population are more vulnerable and informing intervention and emergency preparedness efforts. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;10:325-332).
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254
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Cao X, Chen L, Tian L, Jiang X. Psychological Distress and Health-related Quality of Life in Relocated and Nonrelocated Older Survivors after the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake. Asian Nurs Res (Korean Soc Nurs Sci) 2015; 9:271-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anr.2015.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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255
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Huang Y, Wong H, Tan NT. Associations between economic loss, financial strain and the psychological status of Wenchuan earthquake survivors. DISASTERS 2015; 39:795-810. [PMID: 25754768 DOI: 10.1111/disa.12126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the effects of economic loss on the life satisfaction and mental health of Wenchuan earthquake survivors. Economic loss is measured by earthquake impacts on the income and houses of the survivors. The correlation analysis shows that earthquake impact on income is significantly correlated with life satisfaction and depression. The regression analyses indicate that earthquake impact on income is indirectly associated with life satisfaction and depression through its effect on financial strain. The research highlights the importance of coping strategies in maintaining a balance between economic status and living demands for disaster survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunong Huang
- Lecturer, School of Social and Policy Studies, Flinders University, Australia
| | - Hung Wong
- Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Ngoh Tiong Tan
- Professor and Dean, School of Human Development and Social Services, SIM University, Singapore
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256
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Schonfeld DJ, Demaria T. Providing Psychosocial Support to Children and Families in the Aftermath of Disasters and Crises. Pediatrics 2015; 136:e1120-30. [PMID: 26371193 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-2861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Disasters have the potential to cause short- and long-term effects on the psychological functioning, emotional adjustment, health, and developmental trajectory of children. This clinical report provides practical suggestions on how to identify common adjustment difficulties in children in the aftermath of a disaster and to promote effective coping strategies to mitigate the impact of the disaster as well as any associated bereavement and secondary stressors. This information can serve as a guide to pediatricians as they offer anticipatory guidance to families or consultation to schools, child care centers, and other child congregate care sites. Knowledge of risk factors for adjustment difficulties can serve as the basis for mental health triage. The importance of basic supportive services, psychological first aid, and professional self-care are discussed. Stress is intrinsic to many major life events that children and families face, including the experience of significant illness and its treatment. The information provided in this clinical report may, therefore, be relevant for a broad range of patient encounters, even outside the context of a disaster. Most pediatricians enter the profession because of a heartfelt desire to help children and families most in need. If adequately prepared and supported, pediatricians who are able to draw on their skills to assist children, families, and communities to recover after a disaster will find the work to be particularly rewarding.
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257
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Harada N, Shigemura J, Tanichi M, Kawaida K, Takahashi S, Yasukata F. Mental health and psychological impacts from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster: a systematic literature review. DISASTER AND MILITARY MEDICINE 2015; 1:17. [PMID: 28265432 PMCID: PMC5330089 DOI: 10.1186/s40696-015-0008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Background On March 11, 2011, Japan experienced an unprecedented combination of earthquake/tsunami/nuclear accidents (the Great East Japan Earthquake; GEJE). We sought to identify mental health and psychosocial consequences of this compound disaster. Method A systematic literature review was conducted of quantitative research articles addressing mental health of survivors and the psychological impact of the GEJE. For articles between March 2011 and December 2014, PubMed, PsychINFO, and EMBASE databases were searched with guidance on literature review method. Results Forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. A substantial proportion of the affected individuals experienced considerable psychological distress. Mental health outcomes included, but were not limited to, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Physical health changes, such as sleeping and eating disturbances, also occurred. In Fukushima, radioactive release induced massive fear and uncertainty in a large number of people, causing massive distress among the affected residents, especially among mothers of young children and nuclear plant workers. Stigma was additional challenge to the Fukushima residents. The review identified several groups with vulnerabilities, such as disaster workers, children, internally displaced people, patients with psychiatric disorders, and the bereaved. Conclusions Following the GEJE, a considerable proportion of the population was mentally affected to a significant degree. The affected individuals showed a wide array of mental and physical consequences. In Fukushima, the impact of nuclear disaster was immense and complex, leading to fear of radiation, safety issues, and stigma issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahoko Harada
- Division of Nursing, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513 Japan.,William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Maloney Hall 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 USA
| | - Jun Shigemura
- Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513 Japan
| | - Masaaki Tanichi
- Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513 Japan
| | - Kyoko Kawaida
- Division of Nursing, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513 Japan
| | - Satomi Takahashi
- Division of Nursing, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513 Japan
| | - Fumiko Yasukata
- Division of Nursing, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513 Japan
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258
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Beaglehole B, Bell C, Frampton C, Hamilton G, McKean A. The impact of the Canterbury earthquakes on prescribing for mental health. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2015; 49:742-50. [PMID: 26041790 DOI: 10.1177/0004867415589794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the Canterbury earthquakes on the mental health of the local population by examining prescribing patterns of psychotropic medication. METHOD Dispensing data from community pharmacies for antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics and sedatives/hypnotics are routinely recorded in a national database. The close relationship between prescribing and dispensing provides the opportunity to assess prescribing trends for Canterbury compared to national data and therefore examines the longitudinal impact of the earthquakes on prescribing patterns. RESULTS Short-term increases in the use of anxiolytics and sedatives/hypnotics were observed after the most devastating February 2011 earthquake, but this effect was not sustained. There were no observable effects of the earthquakes on antidepressant or antipsychotic dispensing. CONCLUSION Short-term increases in dispensing were only observed for the classes of anxiolytics and sedatives/hypnotics. No sustained changes in dispensing occurred. These findings suggest that long-term detrimental effects on the mental health of the Canterbury population were either not present or have not resulted in increased prescribing of psychotropic medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Beaglehole
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago - Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Caroline Bell
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago - Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Christopher Frampton
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago - Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Greg Hamilton
- Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Andrew McKean
- Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
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259
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Jacobs MB, Harville EW. Long-Term Mental Health Among Low-Income, Minority Women Following Exposure to Multiple Natural Disasters in Early and Late Adolescence Compared to Adulthood. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2015; 44:511-525. [PMID: 26412956 DOI: 10.1007/s10566-015-9311-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High impact experiences following a natural disaster have been shown to influence later psychopathology. Individual-level factors such as age may also contribute to a disaster's impact on mental health, though it is unclear whether young age confers a protective effect or represents a period of increased risk as compared to adulthood. OBJECTIVE The present study evaluated the influence of adolescent age and hurricane experiences on mental health in the years following multiple hurricanes in the New Orleans region. METHODS 794 women, currently aged 18-45, participating in a cohort study of lifetime adversity and reproductive health completed a survey about hurricane experience and current mental health. Joint associations between disaster experience and age at the time of disaster on depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were evaluated. RESULTS Compared to women who were adults at the time of the disaster, being in early adolescence resulted in reduced depression and PTSD up to 9-years post-disaster, controlling for hurricane experiences, time since disaster, and income. A similar effect was not observed among older adolescents. Increased endorsement of feeling one's life was in danger and experiencing illness or injury resulted in increased odds of depression, while danger was associated with increased odds of PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Younger age at the time of a natural disaster may confer a protective effect on mental health outcomes post-disaster, even when disaster experiences are considered, potentially representing the importance of parental support and cognitive development on disaster effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marni B Jacobs
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2000, New Orleans, LA 70112-2715, USA
| | - Emily W Harville
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2000, New Orleans, LA 70112-2715, USA
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260
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Forbes D, Alkemade N, Waters E, Gibbs L, Gallagher C, Pattison P, Lusher D, MacDougall C, Harms L, Block K, Snowdon E, Kellet C, Sinnott V, Ireton G, Richardson J, Bryant RA. The role of anger and ongoing stressors in mental health following a natural disaster. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2015; 49:706-13. [PMID: 25586750 DOI: 10.1177/0004867414565478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research has established the mental health sequelae following disaster, with studies now focused on understanding factors that mediate these outcomes. This study focused on anger, alcohol, subsequent life stressors and traumatic events as mediators in the development of mental health disorders following the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires, Australia's worst natural disaster in over 100 years. METHOD This study examined data from 1017 (M = 404, F = 613) adult residents across 25 communities differentially affected by the fires and participating in the Beyond Bushfires research study. Data included measures of fire exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, alcohol abuse, anger and subsequent major life stressors and traumatic events. Structural equation modeling assessed the influence of factors mediating the effects of fire exposure on mental health outcomes. RESULTS Three mediation models were tested. The final model recorded excellent fit and observed a direct relationship between disaster exposure and mental health outcomes (b = .192, p < .001) and mediating relationships via Anger (b = .102, p < .001) and Major Life Stressors (b = .128, p < .001). Each gender was compared with multiple group analyses and while the mediation relationships were still significant for both genders, the direct relationship between exposure and outcome was no longer significant for men (p = .069), but remained significant (b = .234, p < .001) for women. CONCLUSIONS Importantly, anger and major life stressors mediate the relationship between disaster exposure and development of mental health problems. The findings have significant implications for the assessment of anger post disaster, the provision of targeted anger-focused interventions and delivery of government and community assistance and support in addressing ongoing stressors in the post-disaster context to minimize subsequent mental health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Forbes
- Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Nathan Alkemade
- Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Waters
- Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Lisa Gibbs
- Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Colin Gallagher
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Phillipa Pattison
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Dean Lusher
- Centre for Transformative Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Colin MacDougall
- Southgate Institute for Health, Society and Equity, and School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Louise Harms
- Department of Social Work, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Karen Block
- Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Elyse Snowdon
- Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Connie Kellet
- Department of Social Work, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Vikki Sinnott
- Prevention and Population Health Branch, Department of Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Greg Ireton
- Health and Human Services Emergency Management, Department of Human Services, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Richardson
- Emergency Services, Australian Red Cross, Carlton, Australia
| | - Richard A Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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261
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Becker C, Roos V, Coetzee H. Disaster recovery experiences of a South African rural farming community. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2015.1065051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan Becker
- Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, North-West University, South Africa
| | - Vera Roos
- Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, North-West University, South Africa
| | - Hendri Coetzee
- Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, North-West University, South Africa
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262
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Weems CF. Biological correlates of child and adolescent responses to disaster exposure: a bio-ecological model. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2015; 17:51. [PMID: 25980506 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-015-0588-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to both human-caused and natural disasters is associated with a number of postevent reactions in youth including the experience of symptoms of several mental disorders. There is wide variability in these responses, with some youth having very intense exposure to the disaster and yet showing resilience or even personal growth, while others with low exposure sometimes show intensely negative reactions. Research findings are reviewed in this article to identify biological correlates of risk and resilience focusing on potential genetic, neurobiological, and physiological factors linked to the reactions of children exposed to disasters. A bio-ecological model is presented to couch this review of biological correlates of disaster exposure. The model predicts susceptibility to negative reactions after disaster exposure, and the biological correlates of disaster reactions can be understood in terms of this susceptibility as it relates to biological markers of the fear system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl F Weems
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, 4380 Palmer, Ames, IA, 50011-4380, USA,
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263
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Lamond JE, Joseph RD, Proverbs DG. An exploration of factors affecting the long term psychological impact and deterioration of mental health in flooded households. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 140:325-334. [PMID: 25909883 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The long term psychological effect of the distress and trauma caused by the memory of damage and losses associated with flooding of communities remains an under researched impact of flooding. This is particularly important for communities that are likely to be repeatedly flooded where levels of mental health disorder will damage long term resilience to future flooding. There are a variety of factors that affect the prevalence of mental health disorders in the aftermath of flooding including pre-existing mental health, socio-economic factors and flood severity. However previous research has tended to focus on the short term impacts immediately following the flood event and much less focus has been given to the longer terms effects of flooding. Understanding of factors affecting the longer term mental health outcomes for flooded households is critical in order to support communities in improving social resilience. Hence, the aim of this study was to explore the characteristics associated with psychological distress and mental health deterioration over the longer term. The research examined responses from a postal survey of households flooded during the 2007 flood event across England. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and binomial logistic regression were applied to data representing household characteristics, flood event characteristics and post-flood stressors and coping strategies. These factors were related to reported measures of stress, anxiety, depression and mental health deterioration. The results showed that household income, depth of flooding; having to move out during reinstatement and mitigating actions are related to the prevalence of psycho-social symptoms in previously flooded households. In particular relocation and household income were the most predictive factors. The practical implication of these findings for recovery after flooding are: to consider the preferences of households in terms of the need to move out during restorative building works and the financial resource constraints that may lead to severe mental hardship. In addition the findings suggest that support with installing mitigation measures may lead to improved mental health outcomes for communities at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Elizabeth Lamond
- Centre for Floods Communities and Resilience, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, United Kingdom.
| | - Rotimi D Joseph
- Centre for Floods Communities and Resilience, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, United Kingdom
| | - David G Proverbs
- Centre for Floods Communities and Resilience, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, United Kingdom
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264
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Wu ZH, Stevens RG, Tennen H, North CS, Grady JJ, Holzer C. Sleep Quality Among Low-Income Young Women in Southeast Texas Predicts Changes in Perceived Stress Through Hurricane Ike. Sleep 2015; 38:1121-8. [PMID: 25669193 DOI: 10.5665/sleep.4826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To document the time course of perceived stress among women through the period of a natural disaster, to determine the effect of sleep quality on this time course, and to identify risk factors that predict higher levels of perceived stress. DESIGN Longitudinal study from 2006-2012. SETTING Community-based family planning clinics in southeast Texas. PARTICIPANTS There were 296 women aged 18-31 y who experienced Hurricane Ike, September 2008. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered every 2 mo from 6 mo before to 12 mo after Hurricane Ike. Sleep quality was assessed 1 mo after Hurricane Ike using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Good sleep was defined as a PSQI summary score < 5, and poor sleep as a score ≥ 5. Hurricane Ike stressors (e.g., property damage, subjective stressors) and pre-Ike lifetime major life events and emotional health (e.g., emotional dysregulation, self-control) were also assessed. RESULTS Over the entire period of 18 mo (6 mo before and 12 mo after the hurricane), perceived stress was significantly higher among poor sleepers compared to good sleepers, and only good sleepers showed a significant decrease in perceived stress after Hurricane Ike. In addition, a higher level of perceived stress was positively associated with greater Ike damage among poor sleepers, whereas this correlation was not observed among good sleepers. In the final multivariate longitudinal model, Ike-related subjective stressors as well as baseline major life events and emotional dysregulation among poor sleepers predicted higher levels of perceived stress over time; among good sleepers, additional factors such as lower levels of self-control and having a history of a psychiatric disorder also predicted higher levels of perceived stress. CONCLUSIONS Sleep quality after Hurricane Ike, an intense natural disaster producing substantial damage, impacted changes in perceived stress over time. Our findings suggest the possibility that providing victims of disasters with effective interventions to improve sleep quality could help to reduce their perceived stress over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Helen Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC), Farmington, CT
| | - Richard G Stevens
- Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
| | - Howard Tennen
- Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
| | - Carol S North
- Program in Trauma and Disaster, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX.,Departments of Psychiatry and Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Medicine, Dallas, TX
| | - James J Grady
- The Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (CICATS) and Community Medicine and Health Care, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
| | - Charles Holzer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
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Abstract
Disaster mental health is based on the principles of 'preventive medicine' This principle has necessitated a paradigm shift from relief centered post-disaster management to a holistic, multi-dimensional integrated community approach of health promotion, disaster prevention, preparedness and mitigation. This has ignited the paradigm shift from curative to preventive aspects of disaster management. This can be understood on the basis of six 'R's such as Readiness (Preparedness), Response (Immediate action), Relief (Sustained rescue work), Rehabilitation (Long term remedial measures using community resources), Recovery (Returning to normalcy) and Resilience (Fostering). Prevalence of mental health problems in disaster affected population is found to be higher by two to three times than that of the general population. Along with the diagnosable mental disorders, affected community also harbours large number of sub-syndromal symptoms. Majority of the acute phase reactions and disorders are self-limiting, whereas long-term phase disorders require assistance from mental health professionals. Role of psychotropic medication is very limited in preventing mental health morbidity. The role of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in mitigating the mental health morbidity appears to be promising. Role of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and debriefing is not well-established. Disaster management is a continuous and integrated cyclical process of planning, organising, coordinating and implementing measures to prevent and to manage disaster effectively. Thus, now it is time to integrate public health principles into disaster mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Bada Math
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, (Institute of National Importance), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Sydney Moirangthem
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, (Institute of National Importance), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Naveen C. Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, (Institute of National Importance), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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266
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Suzuki Y, Yabe H, Yasumura S, Ohira T, Niwa SI, Ohtsuru A, Mashiko H, Maeda M, Abe M. Psychological distress and the perception of radiation risks: the Fukushima health management survey. Bull World Health Organ 2015; 93:598-605. [PMID: 26478623 PMCID: PMC4581639 DOI: 10.2471/blt.14.146498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess relationships between the perception of radiation risks and psychological distress among evacuees from the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster. Methods We analysed cross-sectional data from a survey of evacuees conducted in 2012. Psychological distress was classified as present or absent based on the K6 scale. Respondents recorded their views about the health risks of exposure to ionizing radiation, including immediate, delayed and genetic (inherited) health effects, on a four-point Likert scale. We examined associations between psychological distress and risk perception in logistic regression models. Age, gender, educational attainment, history of mental illness and the consequences of the disaster for employment and living conditions were potential confounders. Findings Out of the 180 604 people who received the questionnaire, we included 59 807 responses in our sample. There were 8717 respondents reporting psychological distress. Respondents who believed that radiation exposure was very likely to cause health effects were significantly more likely to be psychologically distressed than other respondents: odds ratio (OR) 1.64 (99.9% confidence interval, CI: 1.42–1.89) for immediate effects; OR: 1.48 (99.9% CI: 1.32–1.67) for delayed effects and OR: 2.17 (99.9% CI: 1.94–2.42) for genetic (inherited) effects. Similar results were obtained after controlling for individual characteristics and disaster-related stressors. Conclusion Among evacuees of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, concern about radiation risks was associated with psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriko Suzuki
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Adult Mental Health, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8553, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hirobumi Mashiko
- Fukushima Prefecture Developmental Disability Support Center, Fukushima, Japan
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267
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Mayer B, Running K, Bergstrand K. Compensation and Community Corrosion: Perceived Inequalities, Social Comparisons, and Competition Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. SOCIOLOGICAL FORUM (RANDOLPH, N.J.) 2015; 30:369-390. [PMID: 26120247 PMCID: PMC4477958 DOI: 10.1111/socf.12167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED After disasters, victim compensation programs are typically associated with individual healing and community rebuilding. But post-disaster compensation systems also have the potential to introduce confusion and competition, further fraying the social fabric of communities affected by trauma. To assess the perceived effects of disaster compensation processes on community social relations, as well as the mechanisms that underlie such effects, we turn to the case of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, after which BP implemented one of the largest compensation systems in U.S. HISTORY Using data from interviews of residents of four Gulf Coast communities, we examine the extent to which this claims process hindered efforts to recover from this disaster. Our data suggest that while BP money helped some residents in the Gulf during a difficult economic time, many interviewees perceived uncertainty, randomness, and unevenness in the compensation process, which led to negative social comparisons and competition among community members. Because of this animosity, we argue that BP's compensation system was a disruptive mechanism that contributed to community corrosion and introduced another source of psychological stress into already traumatized areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Mayer
- P.O. Box 210027, School of Sociology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
| | - Katrina Running
- 912 South 8th Avenue, Department of Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209
| | - Kelly Bergstrand
- P.O. Box 210027, School of Sociology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
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268
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Stratta P, de Cataldo S, Bonanni RL, Rossi A. Community mental health service utilization after the L'Aquila earthquake. Community Ment Health J 2015; 51:504-8. [PMID: 25540028 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-014-9822-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the use of the facilities for the mental health by the population affected by the L'Aquila (Italy) 2009 earthquake. The data about the activities of the Mental Health Centre of L'Aquila during the years from 2008 to 2010 were obtained by the service Information System. In the months following the event the percentage of referrals was reduced. Failure to use specialized facilities after disasters should not be seen as reassuring. It is conceivable that a relevant rate of frank or sub-threshold psychopathology is present that the traditional mental health facilities may not be able to intercept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Stratta
- National Mental Health Care Service (NMHCS), L'Aquila, Italy,
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269
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Warsini S, Buettner P, Mills J, West C, Usher K. Psychometric evaluation of the Indonesian version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2015; 22:251-9. [PMID: 25912269 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to translate and to test an Indonesian version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (I-IES-R) as a measurement of psychological distress following a natural disaster. Sample of 30 Mt. Merapi residents participated in pilot testing and 110 survivors completed the test-retest of the I-IES-R. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine construct validity, and Cronbach's alpha was used to assess reliability. The results of the translational phase of the study indicated that the Indonesian version of the IES-R captures the content of the original tool with appropriate adaptation for cultural differences. The Indonesian IES-R revealed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.90 for test and 0.92 for retest for the total score. In addition, the Cronbach alpha for subscales intrusion, avoidance and hyper arousal in the initial scale testing were 0.85, 0.75, and 0.74, respectively, and for the retest 0.88, 0.79, and 0.82, respectively. The reliability coefficient of the test-retest results was 0.75 [95% confidence interval = (0.64, 0.83)], and exploratory factor analysis identified three underlying factors: intrusion, avoidance, and hyper arousal. The I-IES-R can be considered a useful screening tool that can be used by mental health nurses to assess the psychological impact of natural disasters on survivors in Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Warsini
- College of Healthcare Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia; School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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270
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De Soir E, Versporten A, Zech E, Van Oyen H, Mylle J, Kleber R, van der Hart O. Does exposure type impact differentially over time on the development of mental health disturbances after a technological disaster? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 73:20. [PMID: 25897399 PMCID: PMC4403888 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-015-0066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background A longitudinal study was conducted in order to assess the impact of the Ghislenghien disaster (July 30th, 2004) on physical, mental and social health in the affected population. The present study explored the risk for the development of four types of mental health disturbances (MHD) due to exposure to different aspects of this technological disaster in comparison with data obtained from previous health surveys among the population of the same province. Methods Surveys were conducted 5 months (T1) and 14 months (T2) after the disaster. Potential adult victims (≥15 years) were included (n = 1027 and 579 at T1 and T2 respectively). The “Symptom Checklist-90-Revised” (SCL-90-R) has been used in order to compute actual prevalence rates of somatization-, depression-, anxiety- and sleeping disturbances for three defined exposure categories: direct witnesses who have seen human damage (SHD), direct witnesses who have not seen human damage (NSHD) and indirect witnesses (IW). Those prevalence rates were compared with overall rates using the inhabitants of the province of Hainaut (n = 2308) as reference population. A mental health co-morbidity index was computed. Relative risks were estimated using logistic regression models. Results Prevalence rates of the four MHD were much higher for the SHD than for the other exposure groups, at T1 and T2. Moreover, NSHD and IW had no increased risk to develop one of the 4 types of MHD compared to the reference population. The SHD had at T1 and T2 good 5-times a higher risk for somatization, about 4-times for depression and sleeping disorders, and 5- to 6-times for anxiety disorders respectively. Further, they suffered 13 times, respectively 17 times more from all mental disorders together. Conclusions The present study calls attention to the fact that mental health problems disturbances are significantly more prevalent and long-lasting among survivors who have directly been exposed to human damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik De Soir
- Department of Scientific and Technological Research, Royal Higher Institute for Defense, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ann Versporten
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Emmanuelle Zech
- Faculty of psychology and educational sciences, Research Center for Health and Psychological Development, Place du Cardinal Mercier, Université catholique de Louvain, 10, BE-1348 Louvain la Neuve, Belgium
| | - Herman Van Oyen
- Scientific Institute of Public Health, Direction Public Health and Surveillance, J. Wytsmanstreet 14, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques Mylle
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rolf Kleber
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Onno van der Hart
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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271
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Harville EW, Jacobs M, Boynton-Jarrett R. When is exposure to a natural disaster traumatic? Comparison of a trauma questionnaire and disaster exposure inventory. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123632. [PMID: 25853820 PMCID: PMC4390192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies have compared the sensitivity of trauma questionnaires to disaster inventories for assessing the prevalence of exposure to natural disaster or associated risk for post-disaster psychopathology. The objective of this analysis was to compare reporting of disaster exposure on a trauma questionnaire (Brief Trauma Questionnaire [BTQ]) to an inventory of disaster experience. Between 2011 and 2014, a sample of 841 reproductive-aged southern Louisiana women were interviewed using the BTQ and completed a detailed inventory about exposure to hurricanes and flooding. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology was measured with the Post-Traumatic Stress Checklist, and depression with the Edinburgh Depression Scale. The single question addressing disaster exposure on the BTQ had a sensitivity of between 65% and 70% relative to the more detailed questions. Reporting disaster exposure on the BTQ was more likely for those who reported illness/injury due to a hurricane or flood (74%-77%) or danger (77-79%), compared to those who reported damage (69-71%) or evacuation (64-68%). Reporting disaster exposure on the BTQ was associated with depression (odds ratio [OR] 2.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43-3.68). A single question is unlikely to be useful for assessing the degree of exposure to disaster across a broad population, and varies in utility depending on the mental health outcome of interest: the single trauma question is useful for assessing depression risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily W. Harville
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Marni Jacobs
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Renée Boynton-Jarrett
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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272
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Doohan I, Saveman BI. Need for compassion in prehospital and emergency care: A qualitative study on bus crash survivors' experiences. Int Emerg Nurs 2015; 23:115-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2014.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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273
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Sakuma A, Takahashi Y, Ueda I, Sato H, Katsura M, Abe M, Nagao A, Suzuki Y, Kakizaki M, Tsuji I, Matsuoka H, Matsumoto K. Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression prevalence and associated risk factors among local disaster relief and reconstruction workers fourteen months after the Great East Japan Earthquake: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2015; 15:58. [PMID: 25879546 PMCID: PMC4374405 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-015-0440-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many local workers have been involved in rescue and reconstruction duties since the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) on March 11, 2011. These workers continuously confront diverse stressors as both survivors and relief and reconstruction workers. However, little is known about the psychological sequelae among these workers. Thus, we assessed the prevalence of and personal/workplace risk factors for probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), probable depression, and high general psychological distress in this population. METHODS Participants (N = 1294; overall response rate, 82.9%) were workers (firefighters, n = 327; local municipality workers, n = 610; hospital medical workers, n = 357) in coastal areas of Miyagi prefecture. The study was cross-sectional and conducted 14 months after the GEJE using a self-administered questionnaire which included the PTSD Checklist-Specific Version, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the K6 scale. Significant risk factors from bivariate analysis, such as displacement, dead or missing family member(s), near-death experience, disaster related work, lack of communication, and lack of rest were considered potential factors in probable PTSD, probable depression, and high general psychological distress, and were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS The prevalence of probable PTSD, probable depression, and high general psychological distress was higher among municipality (6.6%, 15.9%, and 14.9%, respectively) and medical (6.6%, 14.3%, and 14.5%, respectively) workers than among firefighters (1.6%, 3.8%, and 2.6%, respectively). Lack of rest was associated with increased risk of PTSD and depression in municipality and medical workers; lack of communication was linked to increased PTSD risk in medical workers and depression in municipality and medical workers; and involvement in disaster-related work was associated with increased PTSD and depression risk in municipality workers. CONCLUSIONS The present results indicate that at 14 months after the GEJE, mental health consequences differed between occupations. High preparedness, early mental health interventions, and the return of ordinary working conditions might have contributed to the relative mental health resilience of the firefighters. Unlike the direct effects of disasters, workplace risk factors can be modified after disasters; thus, we should develop countermeasures to improve the working conditions of local disaster relief and reconstruction workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Sakuma
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan. .,Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center, 2-18-21 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0014, Japan.
| | - Yoko Takahashi
- Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center, 2-18-21 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0014, Japan. .,Department of Preventive Psychiatry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Ikki Ueda
- Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center, 2-18-21 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0014, Japan. .,Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Hirotoshi Sato
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan. .,Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center, 2-18-21 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0014, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Katsura
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan. .,Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center, 2-18-21 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0014, Japan.
| | - Mikika Abe
- Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center, 2-18-21 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0014, Japan. .,Department of Preventive Psychiatry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Ayami Nagao
- Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center, 2-18-21 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0014, Japan. .,Department of Preventive Psychiatry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Yuriko Suzuki
- Department of Adult Mental Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8551, Japan.
| | - Masako Kakizaki
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Forensic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Ichiro Tsuji
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Forensic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Hiroo Matsuoka
- Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center, 2-18-21 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0014, Japan. .,Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Kazunori Matsumoto
- Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center, 2-18-21 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-0014, Japan. .,Department of Preventive Psychiatry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
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274
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Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Katrina Inspired Disaster Screenings (KIDS): Psychometric Testing of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network Hurricane Assessment and Referral Tool. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-015-9313-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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275
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Messiah A, Acuna JM, Castro G, de la Vega PR, Vaiva G, Shultz J, Neria Y, De La Rosa M. Mental health impact of the 2010 Haiti earthquake on the Miami Haitian population: A random-sample survey. DISASTER HEALTH 2015; 2:130-137. [PMID: 26753105 DOI: 10.1080/21665044.2015.1014216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the mental health consequences of the January 2010 Haiti earthquake on Haitians living in Miami-Dade County, Florida, 2-3 years following the event. A random-sample household survey was conducted from October 2011 through December 2012 in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Haitian participants (N = 421) were assessed for their earthquake exposure and its impact on family, friends, and household finances; and for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and major depression; using standardized screening measures and thresholds. Exposure was considered as "direct" if the interviewee was in Haiti during the earthquake. Exposure was classified as "indirect" if the interviewee was not in Haiti during the earthquake but (1) family members or close friends were victims of the earthquake, and/or (2) family members were hosted in the respondent's household, and/or (3) assets or jobs were lost because of the earthquake. Interviewees who did not qualify for either direct or indirect exposure were designated as "lower" exposure. Eight percent of respondents qualified for direct exposure, and 63% qualified for indirect exposure. Among those with direct exposure, 19% exceeded threshold for PTSD, 36% for anxiety, and 45% for depression. Corresponding percentages were 9%, 22% and 24% for respondents with indirect exposure, and 6%, 14%, and 10% for those with lower exposure. A majority of Miami Haitians were directly or indirectly exposed to the earthquake. Mental health distress among them remains considerable two to three years post-earthquake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Messiah
- INSERM Research Unit U-1178 "Mental Health and Public Health"; Suicide and Psychotrauma in Overseas Territories team; Villejuif, France
| | - Juan M Acuna
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences Research; Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine; Florida International University; Miami, FL USA
| | - Grettel Castro
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences Research; Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine; Florida International University; Miami, FL USA
| | - Pura Rodríguez de la Vega
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences Research; Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine; Florida International University; Miami, FL USA
| | - Guillaume Vaiva
- INSERM Research Unit U-1178 "Mental Health and Public Health"; Suicide and Psychotrauma in Overseas Territories team; Villejuif, France; CNRS PSYCHIC Team; CHRU Lille et Universités de Lille; Lille, France
| | - James Shultz
- Center for Disaster & Extreme Event Preparedness (DEEP Center); University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
| | - Yuval Neria
- Department of Psychiatry; The New York State Psychiatric Institute; New York, NY USA
| | - Mario De La Rosa
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work; Center for Substance Use and HIV/AIDS Research on Latinos in the United States (C-SALUD); Florida International University; Miami, FL USA
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276
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Zakour MJ. Effects of support on evacuation preparedness of persons with disabilities. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK IN DISABILITY & REHABILITATION 2015; 14:1-22. [PMID: 25651376 DOI: 10.1080/1536710x.2015.989561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Many persons with a disability are not prepared to evacuate in disasters. Subjects (N = 710) from 7 U.S. states responded to a survey measuring level of social support in a crisis, number of organizational memberships, frequency of personal assistance services, and evacuation preparedness. A hierarchical regression, controlling for degree of limitation from disability, shows that informal social support (β = .345), voluntary memberships (β = .106), and personal assistance frequency (β = .113) are statistically significant (p < .01) predictors of preparedness (R = .383, R(2) = .148). Interventions that increase the levels of these supports increase disaster preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Zakour
- a School of Social Work , Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, West Virginia University , Morgantown , West Virginia , USA
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277
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Trauma signature analysis of the great East Japan disaster: guidance for psychological consequences. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2015; 7:201-14. [PMID: 24618172 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2013.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES On March 11, 2011, Japan experienced the largest earthquake in its history. The undersea earthquake launched a tsunami that inundated much of Japan's eastern coastline and damaged nuclear power plants, precipitating multiple reactor meltdowns. We examined open-source disaster situation reports, news accounts, and disaster-monitoring websites to gather event-specific data to conduct a trauma signature analysis of the event. METHODS The trauma signature analysis included a review of disaster situation reports; the construction of a hazard profile for the earthquake, tsunami, and radiation threats; enumeration of disaster stressors by disaster phase; identification of salient evidence-based psychological risk factors; summation of the trauma signature based on exposure to hazards, loss, and change; and review of the mental health and psychosocial support responses in relation to the analysis. RESULTS Exposure to this triple-hazard event resulted in extensive damage, significant loss of life, and massive population displacement. Many citizens were exposed to multiple hazards. The extremity of these exposures was partially mitigated by Japan's timely, expert-coordinated, and unified activation of an evidence-based mental health response. CONCLUSIONS The eastern Japan disaster was notable for its unique constellation of compounding exposures. Examination of the trauma signature of this event provided insights and guidance regarding optimal mental health and psychosocial responses. Japan orchestrated a model response that reinforced community resilience.
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278
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Zvolensky MJ, Kotov R, Schechter CB, Gonzalez A, Vujanovic A, Pietrzak RH, Crane M, Kaplan J, Moline J, Southwick SM, Feder A, Udasin I, Reissman DB, Luft BJ. Post-disaster stressful life events and WTC-related posttraumatic stress, depressive symptoms, and overall functioning among responders to the World Trade Center disaster. J Psychiatr Res 2015; 61:97-105. [PMID: 25499737 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current study examined contributions of post-disaster stressful life events in relation to the maintenance of WTC-related posttraumatic stress, depressive symptoms, and overall functioning among rescue, recovery, and clean-up workers who responded to the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center (WTC) terrorist attacks. METHODS Participants were 18,896 WTC responders, including 8466 police officers and 10,430 non-traditional responders (85.8% male; 86.4% Caucasian; M(age) = 39.5, SD = 8.8) participating in the WTC Health Program who completed an initial examination between July, 2002 and April, 2010 and who were reassessed, on average, 2.5 years later. RESULTS Path analyses were conducted to evaluate contributions of life events to the maintenance of WTC-related posttraumatic stress, depressive symptoms, and overall functioning. These analyses were stratified by police and non-traditional responder groups and adjusted for age, sex, time from 9/11 to initial visit, WTC exposures (three WTC contextual exposures: co-worker, friend, or a relative died in the disaster; co-worker, friend, or a relative injured in the disaster; and responder was exposed to the dust cloud on 9/11), and interval from initial to first follow-up visit. In both groups, WTC-related posttraumatic stress, depressive symptoms, and overall functioning were stable over the follow-up period. WTC exposures were related to these three outcomes at the initial assessment. WTC-related posttraumatic stress, depressive symptoms, and overall functioning, at the initial assessment each predicted the occurrence of post-disaster stressful life events, as measured by Disaster Supplement of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Post-disaster stressful life events, in turn, were associated with subsequent mental health, indicating partial mediation of the stability of observed mental health. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest a dynamic interplay between exposure, post-disaster stressful life events, and WTC-related posttraumatic stress, depressive symptoms, and overall functioning among WTC disaster responders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Zvolensky
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, Houston, TX, USA; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Behavioral Science, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Roman Kotov
- Stony Brook University, Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Clyde B Schechter
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Family & Social Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Adam Gonzalez
- Stony Brook University, Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Anka Vujanovic
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael Crane
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, Department of Preventive Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia Kaplan
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, Department of Preventive Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacqueline Moline
- North Shore-LIJ Health System, Department of Population Health, Great Neck, NY, USA
| | - Steven M Southwick
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adriana Feder
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Iris Udasin
- University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | | | - Benjamin J Luft
- Stony Brook University, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Self-Reported Emotional and Behavioral Problems, Family Functioning and Parental Bonding Among Psychiatric Outpatient Adolescent Offspring of Croatian Male Veterans with Partial PTSD. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-015-9299-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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280
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MCCormick LC, Tajeu GS, Klapow J. Mental health consequences of chemical and radiologic emergencies: a systematic review. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2014; 33:197-211. [PMID: 25455669 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2014.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews the literature pertaining to psychological impacts in the aftermath of technological disasters, focusing on the immediate psychological and mental health consequences emergency department physicians and first responders may encounter in the aftermath of such disasters. First receivers see a wide spectrum of psychological distress, including acute onset of psychiatric disorders, the exacerbation of existing psychological and psychiatric conditions, and widespread symptomatology even in the absence of a diagnosable disorder. The informal community support systems that exist after a natural disaster may not be available to communities affected by a technological disaster leading to a need for more formal mental health supportive services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C MCCormick
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, RPHB 330, 1720 Second Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, USA.
| | - Gabriel S Tajeu
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, RPHB 330, 1720 Second Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, USA
| | - Joshua Klapow
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, RPHB 330, 1720 Second Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, USA; Chip Rewards, Inc, 2901 2nd Avenue South, Suite 210, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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281
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Gouweloos J, Dückers M, te Brake H, Kleber R, Drogendijk A. Psychosocial care to affected citizens and communities in case of CBRN incidents: a systematic review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 72:46-65. [PMID: 24684819 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Disasters are associated with a substantial psychosocial burden for affected individuals (including first responders) and communities. Knowledge about how to address these risks and problems is valuable for societies worldwide. Decades of research into post-disaster psychosocial care has resulted in various recommendations and general guidelines. However, as CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) events form a distinctive theme in emergency planning and disaster preparedness, it is important to systematically explore their implications for psychosocial care. The aim of this study is to answer two questions: 1). To what extent does psychosocial care in the case of CBRN events differ from other types of events? 2). How strong is the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of psychosocial care interventions in the context of a CBRN event? A systematic literature review was conducted. Searches were performed in Medline, PsychINFO, Embase and PILOTS. Studies since January 2000 were included and evaluated by independent reviewers. The 39 included studies contain recommendations, primarily based on unsystematic literature reviews, qualitative research and expert opinions. Recommendations address: 1) public risk- and crisis communication, 2) training, education and exercise of responders, 3) support, and 4) psychosocial counselling and care to citizens and responders. Although none of the studies meet the design criteria for effectiveness research, a substantial amount of consensus exists on aspects relevant to CBRN related psychosocial care. Recommendations are similar or complementary to general post-disaster psychosocial care guidelines. Notable differences are the emphasis on risk communication and specific preparation needs. Relevant recurring topics are uncertainty about contamination and health effects, how people will overwhelm health care systems, and the possibility that professionals are less likely to respond. However, the lack of evidence on effectiveness makes it necessary to be careful with recommendations. More evaluation research is absolutely needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juul Gouweloos
- National Knowledge and Advice Centre for Psychosocial Care Concerning Critical Incidents, Partner in Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Nienoord 5, 1112XE Diemen, The Netherlands.
| | - Michel Dückers
- National Knowledge and Advice Centre for Psychosocial Care Concerning Critical Incidents, Partner in Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Nienoord 5, 1112XE Diemen, The Netherlands.
| | - Hans te Brake
- National Knowledge and Advice Centre for Psychosocial Care Concerning Critical Incidents, Partner in Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Nienoord 5, 1112XE Diemen, The Netherlands.
| | - Rolf Kleber
- Utrecht University, Department of Clinical & Health Psychology, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Nienoord 5, 1112XE Diemen, The Netherlands.
| | - Annelieke Drogendijk
- National Knowledge and Advice Centre for Psychosocial Care Concerning Critical Incidents, Partner in Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Nienoord 5, 1112XE Diemen, The Netherlands.
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282
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Shultz JM, Garfin DR, Espinel Z, Araya R, Oquendo MA, Wainberg ML, Chaskel R, Gaviria SL, Ordóñez AE, Espinola M, Wilson FE, García NM, Ceballos ÁMG, Garcia-Barcena Y, Verdeli H, Neria Y. Internally displaced "victims of armed conflict" in Colombia: the trajectory and trauma signature of forced migration. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2014; 16:475. [PMID: 25135775 PMCID: PMC4765495 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-014-0475-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
While conflict-induced forced migration is a global phenomenon, the situation in Colombia, South America, is distinctive. Colombia has ranked either first or second in the number of internally displaced persons for 10 years, a consequence of decades of armed conflict compounded by high prevalence of drug trafficking. The displacement trajectory for displaced persons in Colombia proceeds through a sequence of stages: (1) pre-expulsion threats and vulnerability, (2) expulsion, (3) migration, (4) initial adaptation to relocation, (5) protracted resettlement (the end point for most forced migrants), and, rarely, (6) return to the community of origin. Trauma signature analysis, an evidence-based method that elucidates the physical and psychological consequences associated with exposures to harm and loss during disasters and complex emergencies, was used to identify the psychological risk factors and potentially traumatic events experienced by conflict-displaced persons in Colombia, stratified across the phases of displacement. Trauma and loss are experienced differentially throughout the pathway of displacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Shultz
- Center for Disaster & Extreme Event Preparedness (DEEP Center), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Dana Rose Garfin
- Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Zelde Espinel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ricardo Araya
- Centre for Global Mental Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Maria A. Oquendo
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University & The New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Milton L. Wainberg
- Global Mental Health T32 Research Fellowship, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University & The New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberto Chaskel
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Hospital Militar Central, Universidad El Bosque, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogota, Colombia
| | | | - Anna E. Ordóñez
- Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)/National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maria Espinola
- McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fiona E. Wilson
- Department of Clinical & Health Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Natalia Muñoz García
- Program in Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogota, Colombia
| | | | - Yanira Garcia-Barcena
- Department of Health Informatics, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Louis Calder Memorial Library, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Helen Verdeli
- Teachers College and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University & The New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yuval Neria
- Department of Psychiatry & Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University & The New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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283
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Adams ZW, Sumner JA, Danielson CK, McCauley JL, Resnick HS, Grös K, Paul LA, Welsh KE, Ruggiero KJ. Prevalence and predictors of PTSD and depression among adolescent victims of the Spring 2011 tornado outbreak. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2014; 55:1047-55. [PMID: 24580551 PMCID: PMC4133357 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relatively few studies have examined prevalence and predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive episode (MDE) in disaster-affected adolescents. Fewer still have administered diagnostic measures or studied samples exposed to tornadoes, a common type of disaster. Further, methodologic problems limit the generalizability of previous findings. This study addressed prevalence estimates and risk factors for PTSD and MDE among adolescents exposed to the Spring 2011 tornado outbreak in Alabama and Joplin, Missouri. METHODS A large (N = 2000), population-based sample of adolescents and caregivers, recruited randomly from tornado-affected communities, participated in structured telephone interviews. PTSD and MDE prevalence were estimated for the overall sample, by gender, and by age. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for PTSD and MDE. RESULTS Overall, 6.7% of adolescents met diagnostic criteria for PTSD and 7.5% of adolescents met diagnostic criteria for MDE since the tornado. Girls were significantly more likely than boys to meet diagnostic criteria for MDE, and older adolescents were more likely than younger adolescents to report MDE since the tornado. Female gender, prior trauma exposure, and an injured family member were associated with greater risk for PTSD and MDE. Specific incident characteristics (loss of services, concern about others' safety) were associated with greater PTSD risk; prior disaster exposure was associated with lower MDE risk. CONCLUSIONS However, most adolescents were resilient following tornado exposure, roughly 1 in 15 developed PTSD, 1 in 13 developed MDE, and many more endorsed subclinical mental health problems. Information regarding specific risk factors can guide early screening, prevention, and intervention efforts in disaster-affected communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary W. Adams
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Sumner
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Carla Kmett Danielson
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jenna L. McCauley
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Heidi S. Resnick
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kirstin Grös
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Lisa A. Paul
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Kyleen E. Welsh
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kenneth J. Ruggiero
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
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284
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Community support as a moderator of postdisaster mental health symptoms in urban and nonurban communities. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2014; 7:443-51. [PMID: 24274123 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2013.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the association between disaster exposure, community support, and mental health outcomes in urban and nonurban participants of Galveston and Chambers counties after Hurricane Ike. The moderating effect of community support was evaluated as a protective factor relative to postdisaster mental health. METHODS A representative population-based sample of 157 urban and 714 nonurban adults were interviewed 12 to 17 months after the hurricane about their mental health functioning, disaster exposure, and perceptions of community support. RESULTS A series of multiple regressions demonstrated that disaster exposure was associated with mental health outcomes for both groups. The strength of the association varied across population samples.Community support moderated the association between interpersonal effects of the disaster and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression outcomes in nonurban participants and the association between property damage and PTSD in urban participants. CONCLUSIONS Community support played a larger role in reducing PTSD and depression symptoms associated with the interpersonal effects of a disaster in the nonurban sample only. Communities may play a more beneficial role in the recovery process in nonurban areas that have elevated levels of injury or death attributed to a disaster.
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285
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Bryant RA, Waters E, Gibbs L, Gallagher HC, Pattison P, Lusher D, MacDougall C, Harms L, Block K, Snowdon E, Sinnott V, Ireton G, Richardson J, Forbes D. Psychological outcomes following the Victorian Black Saturday bushfires. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2014; 48:634-43. [PMID: 24852323 DOI: 10.1177/0004867414534476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to map the prevalence and predictors of psychological outcomes in affected communities 3-4 years after the Black Saturday bushfires in the state of Victoria, Australia. METHODS Baseline assessment of a longitudinal cohort study in high-, medium-, and low-affected communities in Victoria. Participants included 1017 residents of high-, medium-, and low-affected fire communities. Participants were surveyed by means of a telephone and web-based interview between December 2011 and January 2013. The survey included measures of fire-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and general PTSD from other traumatic events, major depressive episode, alcohol use, and general psychological distress. RESULTS The majority of respondents in the high- (77.3%), medium- (81.3%), and low-affected (84.9%) communities reported no psychological distress on the K6 screening scale. More participants in the high-affected communities (15.6%) reported probable PTSD linked to the bushfires than medium- (7.2%) and low-affected (1.0%) communities (odds ratio (OR): 4.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.61-8.00, p = 0.000). Similar patterns were observed for depression (12.9%, 8.8%, 6.3%, respectively) (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.17-2.85, p = 0.008) and severe psychological distress (9.8%, 5.0%, 4.9%, respectively) (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.23-3.55, p = 0.007). All communities reported elevated rates of heavy drinking (24.7%, 18.7%, 19.6%, respectively); however, these were higher in the high-affected communities (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01-1.89, p = 0.04). Severe psychological distress was predicted by fear for one's life in the bushfires, death of someone close to them in the bushfires, and subsequent stressors. One-third of those with severe psychological distress did not receive mental health assistance in the previous month. CONCLUSIONS Several years following the Black Saturday bushfires the majority of affected people demonstrated resilience without indications of psychological distress. A significant minority of people in the high-affected communities reported persistent PTSD, depression, and psychological distress, indicating the need for promotion of the use of health and complementary services, community-based initiatives, and family and other informal supports, to target these persistent problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia Emergency Services, Australian Red Cross, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Waters
- Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lisa Gibbs
- Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - H Colin Gallagher
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Philippa Pattison
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dean Lusher
- Swinburne Business School, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colin MacDougall
- Southgate Institute for Health, Society and Equity, Flinders University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louise Harms
- Department of Social Work, Department of Health (Victoria), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karen Block
- Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elyse Snowdon
- Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vikki Sinnott
- Southgate Institute for Health, Society and Equity, Flinders University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Greg Ireton
- Health and Human Services Emergency Management, Department of Human Services (Victoria), Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Richardson
- Emergency Services, Australian Red Cross, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Forbes
- Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
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286
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Beinecke RH. Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Victims and Responders to the Boston Marathon Bombings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH 2014. [DOI: 10.2753/imh0020-7411430202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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287
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Burri A, Maercker A. Differences in prevalence rates of PTSD in various European countries explained by war exposure, other trauma and cultural value orientation. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:407. [PMID: 24972489 PMCID: PMC4114166 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Guided by previous explorations of historical and cultural influences on the occurrence of PTSD, the aim of the present study was to investigate the contributions of war victimisation (in particular, World War II) and other civil trauma on the prevalence of PTSD, as mediated by cultural value orientation. Secondary data analysis was performed for 12 European countries using data, including PTSD prevalence and number of war victims, crime victims, and natural disaster victims, from different sources. Ten single value orientations, as well as value aggregates for traditional and modern factors, were investigated. Results Whilst differences in PTSD prevalence were strongly associated with war victim rates, associations, albeit weaker, were also found between crime victims and PTSD. When cultural value orientations, such as stimulation and conformity as representatives of modern and traditional values, were included in the multivariate predictions of PTSD prevalence, an average of approximately 80% of PTSD variance could be explained by the model, independent of the type of trauma exposure. Conclusion The results suggest that the aftermath of war contributes to current PTSD prevalence, which may be explained by the high proportion of the older population who directly or indirectly experienced traumatic war experiences. Additional findings for other types of civil trauma point towards an interaction between value orientation and country-specific trauma rates. Particularly, being personally oriented towards stimulation appears to interact with differences in trauma prevalence. Thus, cultural value orientation might be viewed not only as an individual intrinsic process but also as a compensatory strategy after trauma exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Burri
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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288
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Stratta P, Capanna C, Carmassi C, Patriarca S, Di Emidio G, Riccardi I, Collazzoni A, Dell'Osso L, Rossi A. The adolescent emotional coping after an earthquake: a risk factor for suicidal ideation. J Adolesc 2014; 37:605-11. [PMID: 24931563 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2014.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The study aims to investigate the relationship of suicidal ideation with coping and resilience in a sample of adolescents who survived an earthquake. Three hundred forty-three adolescents who had experienced the L'Aquila earthquake were investigated for a screening distinguishing Suicidal Screen-Negative (SSN) from the Positive (SSP) subjects. Resilience Scale for Adolescents (READ) and Brief Cope were administered. Emotion-focused coping score was significantly higher in SSP subjects. In the SSN but not in the SSP sample the READ total score correlated with problem-focused total score. A positive correlation was seen between emotion-focused and problem-focused scores in both samples, with a higher coefficient in SSP sample. Externalising problems and maladaptive behaviours can arise in adolescents exposed to traumatic events. Attention should be paid in reducing risk factors and in the development of psychological abilities, improving the coping strategies that can protect from emotional despair and suicidal ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Stratta
- Mental Health Center, Department of Mental Health, ASL 1, L'Aquila, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Cristina Capanna
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Patriarca
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Emidio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ilaria Riccardi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alberto Collazzoni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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289
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Pre-earthquake burden of illness and postearthquake health and preparedness in veterans. Prehosp Disaster Med 2014; 29:223-9. [PMID: 24721119 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x14000272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During an earthquake, vulnerable populations, especially those with chronic conditions, are more susceptible to adverse, event-induced exacerbation of chronic conditions such as limited access to food and water, extreme weather temperatures, and injury. These circumstances merit special attention when health care facilities and organizations prepare for and respond to disasters. METHODS This study explores the relationship between pre-earthquake burden of illness and post earthquake health-related and preparedness factors in the US. Data from a cohort of male veterans who were receiving care at the Sepulveda Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Los Angeles, California USA during the 1994 Northridge earthquake were analyzed. RESULTS Veterans with one or more chronic conditions were more likely to report pain lasting two or more days, severe mental/emotional stress for more than two weeks, broken/lost medical equipment, having difficulty refilling prescriptions, and being unable to get medical help following the quake compared to veterans without chronic conditions. In terms of personal emergency preparedness, however, there was no association between burden of illness and having enough food or water for at least 24 hours after the earthquake. CONCLUSION The relationship that exists between health care providers, including both individual providers and organizations like the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and their vulnerable, chronically-ill patients affords providers the unique opportunity to deliver critical assistance that could make this vulnerable population better prepared to meet their post disaster health-related needs. This can be accomplished through education about preparedness and the provision of easier access to medical supplies. Disaster plans for those who are burdened with chronic conditions should meet their social needs in addition to their psychological and physical needs.
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290
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Markowitz JC, Lipsitz J, Milrod BL. Critical review of outcome research on interpersonal psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. Depress Anxiety 2014; 31:316-25. [PMID: 24493661 PMCID: PMC4036522 DOI: 10.1002/da.22238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) has demonstrated efficacy in treating mood and eating disorders. This article critically reviews outcome research testing IPT for anxiety disorders, a diagnostic area where cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has dominated research and treatment. METHODS A literature search identified six open and five controlled trials of IPT for social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. RESULTS Studies were generally small, underpowered, and sometimes methodologically compromised. Nonetheless, minimally adapted from its standard depression strategies, IPT for anxiety disorders yielded positive results in open trials for the three diagnoses. In controlled trials, IPT fared better than waiting list (N = 2), was equipotent to supportive psychodynamic psychotherapy (N = 1), but less efficacious than CBT for SAD (N = 1), and CBT for panic disorder (N = 1) in a methodologically complicated study. IPT equaled CBT in a group residential format (N = 1). CONCLUSIONS IPT shows some promise for anxiety disorders but has thus far shown no advantages in controlled trials relative to other therapies. Methodological and ecological issues have complicated testing of IPT for anxiety disorders, clouding some findings. The authors discuss difficulties of conducting non-CBT research in a CBT-dominated area, investigator bias, and the probable need to further modify IPT for anxiety disorders. Untested therapies deserve the fairest possible testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C. Markowitz
- Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Division of Clinical Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York,Correspondence to: John C. Markowitz, NYS Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit no. 129, New York, NY 10032.
| | - Joshua Lipsitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York,Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Barbara L. Milrod
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York,Department of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York
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291
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Shultz JM, Walsh L, Garfin DR, Wilson FE, Neria Y. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: The Trauma Signature of an Ecological Disaster. J Behav Health Serv Res 2014; 42:58-76. [DOI: 10.1007/s11414-014-9398-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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292
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The need for a systematic approach to disaster psychosocial response: a suggested competency framework. Prehosp Disaster Med 2014; 29:183-9. [PMID: 24636284 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x14000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Competency models attempt to define what makes expert performers "experts." Successful disaster psychosocial planning and the institutionalizing of psychosocial response within emergency management require clearly-defined skill sets. This necessitates anticipating both the short- and long-term psychosocial implications of a disaster or health emergency (ie, pandemic) by developing effective and sustained working relationships among psychosocial providers, programs, and other planning partners. The following article outlines recommended competencies for psychosocial responders to enable communities and organizations to prepare for and effectively manage a disaster response. Competency-based models are founded on observable performance or behavioral indicators, attitudes, traits, or personalities related to effective performance in a specific role or job. After analyzing the literature regarding competency-based frameworks, a proposed competency framework that details 13 competency domains is suggested. Each domain describes a series of competencies and suggests behavioral indicators for each competency and, where relevant, associated training expectations. These domains have been organized under three distinct categories or types of competencies: general competency domains; disaster psychosocial intervention competency domains; and disaster psychosocial program leadership and coordination competency domains. Competencies do not replace job descriptions nor should they be confused with performance assessments. What they can do is update and revise job descriptions; orient existing and new employees to their disaster/emergency roles and responsibilities; target training needs; provide the basis for ongoing self-assessment by agencies and individuals as they evaluate their readiness to respond; and provide a job- or role-relevant basis for performance appraisal dimensions or standards and review discussions. Using a modular approach to psychosocial planning, service providers can improve their response capacity by utilizing differences in levels of expertise and training. The competencies outlined in this paper can thus be used to standardize expectations about levels of psychosocial support interventions. In addition this approach provides an adaptable framework that can be adjusted for various contexts.
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293
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The impact of the San Diego wildfires on a general mental health population residing in evacuation areas. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2014; 40:348-54. [PMID: 22665076 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-012-0425-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
San Diego County Mental Health system clients completed a questionnaire after the October 2007 wildfires. As compared to those not in an evacuation area, those residing in an evacuation area reported significantly more impact of the fires. Clients who evacuated were most affected, followed by those in an evacuation area who did not evacuate. Evacuation strongly impacted client-reported emotional effects of the fire, confusion about whether to evacuate, and ability to obtain medications. Gender and clinical diagnosis interacted with evacuation status for some fire impact variables. Loss of control and disruption of routine are discussed as possibly related factors.
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294
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Lin KH, Shiao JSC, Guo NW, Liao SC, Kuo CY, Hu PY, Hsu JH, Hwang YH, Guo YL. Long-term psychological outcome of workers after occupational injury: prevalence and risk factors. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2014; 24:1-10. [PMID: 23504486 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-013-9431-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to examine the prevalence rates of both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression at 12 months in workers experiencing different types of occupational injury in Taiwan. Demographic and injury-related risk factors for psychological symptoms were also evaluated. METHODS Our study candidates were injured workers in Taiwan who were hospitalized for 3 days or longer and received hospitalization benefits from the Labor Insurance program. A two-staged survey study was conducted. A self-reported questionnaire including the Brief Symptom Rating Scale and Post-traumatic Symptom Checklist was sent to workers at 12 months after injury. Those who met the criteria were recruited for the second-stage phone interview with a psychiatrist using the Mini-international Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). RESULTS A total of 1,233 workers completed the questionnaire (response rate 28.0 %). Among them, 167 (13.5 %) fulfilled the criteria for the MINI interview and were invited. A total of 106 (63.5 %) completed the phone interview. The estimated rate of either PTSD/PPTSD or major depression was 5.2 %. The risk factors for psychological symptoms were female gender, lower education level, loss of consciousness after occupational injury, injury affecting physical appearance, occupational injury experience before this event, life experience before and after this injury, length of hospital stay, self-rated injury severity, and percentage of income to the family. CONCLUSIONS These results showed that occupational injury can cause long-term psychological impact in workers. Key demographic and injury characteristics may enhance the identification of at-risk occupational injured workers who would benefit from targeted screening and early intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Han Lin
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, School of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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295
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Subaiya S, Moussavi C, Velasquez A, Stillman J. A rapid needs assessment of the Rockaway Peninsula in New York City after Hurricane Sandy and the relationship of socioeconomic status to recovery. Am J Public Health 2014; 104:632-8. [PMID: 24524494 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We conducted a rapid needs assessment in the Rockaway Peninsula-one of the areas of New York City most severely affected by Hurricane Sandy on October 29, 2012-to assess basic needs and evaluate for an association between socioeconomic status (SES) and storm recovery. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey within the Rockaways 3 weeks after the hurricane made landfall to elicit information regarding basic utilities, food access, health, relief-effort opinions, and SES. We used a modified cluster sampling method to select households with a goal of 7 to 10 surveys per cluster. RESULTS Thirty to fifty percent of households were without basic utilities including electricity, heat, and telephone services. Lower-income households were more likely to worry about food than higher-income households (odds ratio = 4.5; 95% confidence interval = 1.43, 15.23; P = .01). A post-storm trend also existed among the lower-income group towards psychological disturbances. CONCLUSIONS Storm preparation should include disseminating information regarding carbon monoxide and proper generator use, considerations for prescription refills, neighborhood security, and location of food distribution centers. Lower-income individuals may have greater difficulty meeting their needs following a natural disaster, and recovery efforts may include prioritization of these households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleena Subaiya
- Saleena Subaiya and Anthony Velasquez are with the Department of Emergency Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell, New York, NY. Cyrus Moussavi is with NowThis News, New York City, NY. Joshua Stillman is with the New York Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center, New York
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296
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Schultz JH, Lien IL. Cultural protection against traumatic stress: traditional support of children exposed to the ritual of female genital cutting. Int J Womens Health 2014; 6:207-19. [PMID: 24611023 PMCID: PMC3928460 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s51988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores the factors addressed in folk psychology in The Gambia for protecting the girl-child from the potential traumatic stress of female genital cutting (FGC). The type and quality of the psychological care was analyzed and compared with research on traumatic stress and principles for crisis and trauma intervention. Thirty-three qualitative indepth interviews were conducted with mothers who had supervised their daughters' FGC, women who had been circumcised, and professional circumcisers. The findings indicate that the girls have largely managed to handle the potentially traumatic event of FGC. The event is placed in a meaningful system of understanding, and the stress is dealt with in a traditional way that to a great extent follows empirically-based and evidence-based principles of crisis intervention. However, the approach tends to be culturally encoded, based on the local cultural belief system. This puts circumcised individuals in a potentially vulnerable position if they are living outside the homeland's supportive cultural context, with consequences for psychological and culturally competent FGC health care in exile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Håkon Schultz
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inger-Lise Lien
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway
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297
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Rumsey M, Fletcher SM, Thiessen J, Gero A, Kuruppu N, Daly J, Buchan J, Willetts J. A qualitative examination of the health workforce needs during climate change disaster response in Pacific Island Countries. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2014; 12:9. [PMID: 24521057 PMCID: PMC3937042 DOI: 10.1186/1478-4491-12-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing body of evidence that the impacts of climate change are affecting population health negatively. The Pacific region is particularly vulnerable to climate change; a strong health-care system is required to respond during times of disaster. This paper examines the capacity of the health sector in Pacific Island Countries to adapt to changing disaster response needs, in terms of: (i) health workforce governance, management, policy and involvement; (ii) health-care capacity and skills; and (iii) human resources for health training and workforce development. METHODS Key stakeholder interviews informed the assessment of the capacity of the health sector and disaster response organizations in Pacific Island Countries to adapt to disaster response needs under a changing climate. The research specifically drew upon and examined the adaptive capacity of individual organizations and the broader system of disaster response in four case study countries (Fiji, Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Samoa). RESULTS 'Capacity' including health-care capacity was one of the objective determinants identified as most significant in influencing the adaptive capacity of disaster response systems in the Pacific. The research identified several elements that could support the adaptive capacity of the health sector such as: inclusive involvement in disaster coordination; policies in place for health workforce coordination; belief in their abilities; and strong donor support. Factors constraining adaptive capacity included: weak coordination of international health personnel; lack of policies to address health worker welfare; limited human resources and material resources; shortages of personnel to deal with psychosocial needs; inadequate skills in field triage and counselling; and limited capacity for training. CONCLUSION Findings from this study can be used to inform the development of human resources for health policies and strategic plans, and to support the development of a coordinated and collaborative approach to disaster response training across the Pacific and other developing contexts. This study also provides an overview of health-care capacity and some of the challenges and strengths that can inform future development work by humanitarian organizations, regional and international donors involved in climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction in the Pacific region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Rumsey
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Stephanie M Fletcher
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Jodi Thiessen
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Anna Gero
- Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Natasha Kuruppu
- Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - John Daly
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - James Buchan
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Juliet Willetts
- Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
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298
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Stratton KJ, Aggen SH, Richardson LK, Berenz EC, Tran TL, Trung LT, Tam NT, Tuan T, Buoi LT, Ha TT, Thach TD, Amstadter AB. Using the SRQ-20 factor structure to examine changes in mental distress following typhoon exposure. Psychol Assess 2014; 26:528-38. [PMID: 24512425 DOI: 10.1037/a0035871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Empirical research is limited regarding postdisaster assessment of distress in developing nations. This study aimed to evaluate the factor structure of the 20-item Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) before and after an acute trauma, Typhoon Xangsane, in order to examine changes in mental health symptoms in an epidemiologic sample of Vietnamese adults. The study examined a model estimating individual item factor loadings, thresholds, and a latent change factor for the SRQ-20's single "general distress" common factor. The covariates of sex, age, and severity of typhoon exposure were used to evaluate the disaster-induced changes in SRQ-20 scores while accounting for possible differences in the relationship between individual measurement scale items and the latent mental health construct. Evidence for measurement noninvariance was found. However, allowing sex and age effects on the pre-typhoon and post-typhoon factors accounted for much of the noninvariance in the SRQ-20 measurement structure. A test of no latent change failed, indicating that the SRQ-20 detected significant individual differences in distress between pre- and post-typhoon assessment. Conditioning on age and sex, several typhoon exposure variables differentially predicted levels of distress change, including evacuation, personal injury, and peri-event fear. On average, females and older individuals reported higher levels of distress than males and younger individuals, respectively. The SRQ-20 is a valid and reasonably stable instrument that may be used in postdisaster contexts to assess emotional distress and individual changes in mental health symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven H Aggen
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | | | - Erin C Berenz
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | | | | | | | - Tran Tuan
- Research and Training Center for Community Development
| | - La Thi Buoi
- Research and Training Center for Community Development
| | - Tran Thu Ha
- Research and Training Center for Community Development
| | | | - Ananda B Amstadter
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
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The quality of life of flood survivors in Thailand, Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 17:19-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aenj.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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300
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Shultz JM, Forbes D. Psychological First Aid: Rapid proliferation and the search for evidence. DISASTER HEALTH 2014; 2:3-12. [PMID: 28228996 PMCID: PMC5314921 DOI: 10.4161/dish.26006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Psychological first aid (PFA) has become the flagship early intervention for disaster survivors, with recent adaptations for disaster responders, in the post-9/11 era. PFA is broadly endorsed by expert consensus and integrated into guidelines for mental health and psychosocial support in disasters and extreme events. PFA frameworks are proliferating, with increasing numbers of models developed for delivery by a range of providers for use with an expanding array of target populations. Despite popularity and promotion there remains a dearth of evidence for effectiveness and recent independent reviews of PFA have highlighted this important gap. This commentary juxtaposes the current propagation of PFA against the compelling need to produce evidence for effectiveness and suggests a series of actions to prioritize and expedite real-time, real-event field evaluation of PFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Shultz
- Center for Disaster & Extreme Event Preparedness (DEEP Center); University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
| | - David Forbes
- Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health (ACPMH); Department of Psychiatry; The University of Melbourne; East Melbourne, Victoria Australia
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