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Diallo AM, Ridde V. Climate change and resilience of the Senegalese health system in the face of the floods in Keur Massar. Int J Health Plann Manage 2024. [PMID: 39152531 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
This article is based on the observation that the affected populations perceive existing community-based adaptation strategies to the health effects of floods differently. We explore the resilience of the local health system to climate change (CC) in Keur Massar (Senegal) using a monographic approach based on a qualitative survey of flooded households, health professionals, hygiene agents, community health actors, administrative and local authorities, agents from the Ministries of Health and Environment, and experts from the ecological and meteorological monitoring centre (n = 72). The effects of CC on health are modulated by financial, organisational, social and cultural factors. The effects of CC on health are modulated by traditionally praised by self-centred health governance, which is often based on standardisation of problems and thus not sufficiently attuned to local contexts, especially the climate vulnerability index (CVI) of households and health structures. Despite the existence of programs to combat the consequences of CC, the notorious lack of exhaustive mapping of areas with a high CVI hinders the effective management of the health of the affected populations. A typology of forms of mobility in the context of flooding-ground floor to the upper floor, borrowing a room, renting a flat, seasonal residence-reveals inequalities in access to care as well as specific health needs management of vector-borne diseases, discontinuity of maternal, newborn and child health care, and psychosocial assistance. The article outlines how a health territorialisation based on surveillance and response mechanisms can be co-constructed and made sustainable in areas with a high CVI. Integrating this approach into national health policies allows for equity in health systems efficiently and sustainably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdoulaye Moussa Diallo
- UMR 196, CEPED, The French National Research Institute for Sustainable (IRD), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Département de sociologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Valery Ridde
- UMR 196, CEPED, The French National Research Institute for Sustainable (IRD), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut de Santé et Développement (ISED), Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
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Anichebe O, Anibueze AU, Anum V, Ohaja EU, Ezeugwu CA, Obasi NT, Onogwu EO, Gever VC. Effectiveness of drama and music therapies as health communication interventions for reducing anxiety and posttraumatic disorders among children-victims of flood. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2024; 57:101890. [PMID: 39106584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2024.101890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the usefulness of drama and music therapies as communication strategies for reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) among school children (aged 10-16) who were victims of the 2022 floods in Nigeria. The researchers randomly assigned the children to control (n = 122) drama therapy (n = 120) and music therapy (n = 120) groups. The result of the study revealed that after the intervention, school children in the drama and music therapies (unlike those in the control group) reported a significant reduction in their PTSD and GAD symptoms; the reduction achieved statistical significance (p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.48). Further results revealed a significant interactive effect of gender (p = 0.001) with boys reporting a significant reduction more than girls. The results showed that drama therapy contributed more to reducing PTSD symptoms, while music therapy contributed more to reducing GAD symptoms. The difference did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.23). The researchers conclude that both drama and music therapies were associated with reduced symptoms, indicating the interventions may be beneficial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obiora Anichebe
- Department of Philosophy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
| | - Anselm U Anibueze
- Department of Guidance and Counseling, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria.
| | - Victoria Anum
- Department of Mass Communication, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
| | - Edith Ugochi Ohaja
- Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
| | - Cindy Anene Ezeugwu
- Department of Theatre and Film Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
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Bhawra J, Elsahli N, Patel J. Applying Digital Technology to Understand Human Experiences of Climate Change Impacts on Food Security and Mental Health: Scoping Review. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e54064. [PMID: 39042453 PMCID: PMC11303902 DOI: 10.2196/54064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global impact of climate change ranges from intense heatwaves to extreme weather events that endanger entire ecosystems and people's way of life. Adverse climate change events place undue stress on food and health systems, with consequences for human food security and mental health status. Ubiquitous digital devices, such as smartphones, have the potential to manage existing and emerging climate-related crises, given their ability to enable rapid response, instant communication, and knowledge sharing. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed to identify digital apps being used to capture or address climate change impacts on food security and mental health to inform the development of a digital citizen science initiative. METHODS A scoping review was conducted using 3 peer-reviewed databases (PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science) and manual gray literature searches of relevant organizational (ie, governmental and nonprofit) websites to identify articles and reports published between January 2012 and July 2023. Three separate searches were conducted in each database to identify digital apps focused on climate change and (1) food security, (2) mental health, and (3) food security and mental health. Two reviewers conducted initial screening, with a third reviewer resolving any discrepancies. Articles focused on climate change impacts on wildlife or agriculture (ie, not human food security) were excluded. Full-text screening was conducted for shortlisted articles, and a final data abstraction table was generated, summarizing key app features, contextual factors, and participant involvement. RESULTS From the 656 records screened, 14 digital apps met the inclusion criteria. The food security apps (n=7, 50%) aimed to capture traditional knowledge to preserve food systems, conduct food security assessments, and aid users in decreasing food insecurity risk. The mental health apps (n=7, 50%) assessed climate change-related stress and provided users with coping strategies following adverse weather events. No digital apps examined the intersection of climate change, food security, and mental health. Key app features included user-to-user communication (n=5, 36%), knowledge databases (n=5, 36%), data collection and analysis (n=3, 21%), gamification (n=1, 7%), and educational resources (n=2, 14%) to address climate change impacts on food security or mental health. In total, 3 approaches to participant involvement were used across studies, including contributory (n=1, 7%), collaborative (n=1, 7%), and cocreative (n=1, 7%) approaches, to ensure the relevance and use of digital apps. CONCLUSIONS Most digital apps identified provided a service to citizens to either prevent adverse climate change-related health impacts or manage these effects following an acute event or a natural disaster. The capacity of ubiquitous digital tools to enable near real-time communication, the involvement of various stakeholder groups, and their ability to share relevant educational resources in a timely manner are important for developing tailored climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies across jurisdictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Bhawra
- CHANGE Research Lab, School of Occupational and Public Health, Faculty of Community Services, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nadine Elsahli
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jamin Patel
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Brandt L, Adorjan K, Catthoor K, Chkonia E, Falkai P, Fiorillo A, Gondek TM, Le Vay JN, Rojnic M, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Heinz A, Dom G, Luykx JJ. Climate change and mental health: Position paper of the European Psychiatric Association. Eur Psychiatry 2024; 67:e41. [PMID: 38778031 PMCID: PMC11441337 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.1754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change is one of the greatest threats to health that societies face and can adversely affect mental health. Given the current lack of a European consensus paper on the interplay between climate change and mental health, we signal a need for a pan-European position paper about this topic, written by stakeholders working in mental health care. METHODS On behalf of the European Psychiatric Association (EPA), we give recommendations to make mental health care, research, and education more sustainable based on a narrative review of the literature. RESULTS Examples of sustainable mental healthcare comprise preventive strategies, interdisciplinary collaborations, evidence-based patient care, addressing social determinants of mental health, maintaining health services during extreme weather events, optimising use of resources, and sustainable facility management. In mental health research, sustainable strategies include investigating the impact of climate change on mental health, promoting research on climate change interventions, strengthening the evidence base for mental health-care recommendations, evaluating the allocation of research funding, and establishing evidence-based definitions and clinical approaches for emerging issues such as 'eco-distress'. Regarding mental health education, planetary health, which refers to human health and how it is intertwined with ecosystems, may be integrated into educational courses. CONCLUSIONS The EPA is committed to combat climate change as the latter poses a threat to the future of mental health care. The current EPA position paper on climate change and mental health may be of interest to a diverse readership of stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers, educators, patients, and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Brandt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Germany
| | - Kristina Adorjan
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kirsten Catthoor
- Estates-General of Mental Health, Kortenberg, Belgium
- Flemish Association of Psychiatry, Kortenberg, Belgium
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen, Psychiatrisch Ziekenhuis Stuivenberg, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eka Chkonia
- Department of Psychiatry, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Peter Falkai
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of Mental Health, Collaborating Centre for Research and Training, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli” & WHO, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Jessica Newberry Le Vay
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Martina Rojnic
- University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Germany
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Germany
- Bernstein Center of Computational Neuroscience, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Geert Dom
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jurjen J. Luykx
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Outpatient Bipolar Disorders Clinic, GGZ InGeest Mental Healthcare, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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5
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Smith L. Integrating the Physical Environment Within a Population Neuroscience Perspective. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 38691314 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2024_477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Population neuroscience recognises the role of the environment in shaping brain, behaviour, and mental health. An overview of current evidence from neuroscientific and epidemiological studies highlights the protective effects of nature on cognitive function and stress reduction, the detrimental effects of urban living on mental health, and emerging concerns relating to extreme weather events and eco-anxiety. Despite the growing body of evidence in this area, knowledge gaps remain due to inconsistent measures of exposure and a reliance on small samples. In this chapter, attention is given to the physical environment and population-level studies as a necessary starting point for exploring the long-term impacts of environmental exposures on mental health, and for informing future research that may capture immediate emotional and neural responses to the environment. Key data sources, including remote sensing imagery, administrative, sensor, and social media data, are outlined. Appropriate measures of exposure are advocated for, recognising the value of area-level measures for estimating exposure over large study samples and spatial and temporal scales. Although integrating data from multiple sources requires consideration for data quality and completeness, deep learning and the increasing availability of high-resolution data present opportunities to build a more complete picture of physical environments. Advances in leveraging detailed locational data are discussed as a subsequent approach for building upon initial observations from population studies and improving understanding of the mechanisms underlying behaviour and human-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Smith
- Department of Geography and Planning, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Ryan SC, Sugg MM, Runkle JD, Wertis L, Singh D, Green S. Short-term changes in mental health help-seeking behaviors following exposure to multiple social stressors and a natural disaster. Soc Sci Med 2024; 348:116843. [PMID: 38603916 PMCID: PMC11134597 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In 2020, unprecedented circumstances led to significant mental health consequences. Individuals faced mental health stressors that extended beyond the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including widespread social unrest following the murder of George Floyd, an intense hurricane season in the Atlantic, and the politically divisive 2020 election. The objective of this analysis was to consider changes in help-seeking behavior following exposure to multiple social stressors and a natural disaster. Data from Crisis Text Line (CTL), a national text-based mental health crisis counseling service, was used to determine how help-seeking behavior changed in the wake of each event. Wilcoxon rank sum tests assessed changes in help-seeking behavior for each event in 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019. AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models examined if changes in crisis conversation volumes following each event differed. Higher median conversation volumes noted for the COVID-19 pandemic (+1 to +5 conversations), Hurricane Laura (+1 to +7 conversations) and the 2020 Election (+1 to +26 conversations). ARIMA models show substantial increases in help-seeking behavior following the declaration of a national emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic (+4.3 to +38.2%) and following the 2020 election (+3 to +24.44%). Our analysis found that the mental health response following social stressors may be distinct from natural events, especially when natural disasters occur in the context of multiple social stressors. This analysis adds to the growing body of literature considering the mental health impact of exposure to multiple co-occurring societal stressors, like police violence and a global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia C Ryan
- Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, Boone NC, 28607, USA.
| | - Margaret M Sugg
- Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, Boone NC, 28607, USA
| | - Jennifer D Runkle
- North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC, 27695, USA
| | - Luke Wertis
- Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, Boone NC, 28607, USA
| | - Devyani Singh
- Data Team, Crisis Text Line, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Shannon Green
- Data Team, Crisis Text Line, New York City, New York, USA
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Nakaya K, Nakaya N, Kogure M, Hatanaka R, Chiba I, Kanno I, Nagaie S, Nakamura T, Kanazawa M, Ogishima S, Fuse N, Fukudo S, Hozawa A. Factors Associated With the Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The Miyagi Part of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Community-based Cohort Study. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2024; 30:208-219. [PMID: 38576370 PMCID: PMC10999836 DOI: 10.5056/jnm23090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims The objective of this research is to examine factors related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) prevalence in a large population-based study. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with participants in the Miyagi part of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Community-Based cohort study who completed the Rome II Modular Questionnaire. Multivariate odds ratios (ORs) for the presence of IBS and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the reference group were calculated for each factor. Additionally, a stratified analysis was performed by sex and age group (20-49 years, 50-64 years, and ≥ 65 years). Results Among 16 252 participants, 3025 (18.6%) had IBS, comprising 750 men (15.5%) and 2275 women (19.9%). Multivariate ORs for the presence of IBS decreased significantly with each year of age (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99). Moreover, compared with the reference group, ORs for the presence of IBS were significantly higher in individuals whose home was partially damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake, those with < 16 years of education, those who spent less time walking, those with high perceived stress (1.77, 1.57-2.01), those with high psychological distress (1.58, 1.36-1.82), and those with high symptoms of depression (1.76, 1.60-1.94). In stratified analyses, a significant relationship was found between psychological factors and IBS prevalence in all sex and age groups. Conclusions This large cross-sectional population-based cohort study identified several factors associated with IBS prevalence. Psychological factors were significantly associated with IBS prevalence across all age groups and sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumi Nakaya
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Naoki Nakaya
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mana Kogure
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Rieko Hatanaka
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ippei Chiba
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ikumi Kanno
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagaie
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nakamura
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Faculty of Data Science, Kyoto Women’s University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Soichi Ogishima
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nobuo Fuse
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shin Fukudo
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hozawa
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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8
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Luk M, Longman J. Young people's experiences of the Northern Rivers 2017 flood and its effects on their mental health. Aust J Rural Health 2024; 32:343-353. [PMID: 38456227 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.13095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore young people's (YP) experiences of catastrophic flooding in the Northern Rivers area of northern NSW in 2017 and its effect on their mental health. DESIGN Content analysis of free-text survey responses (written responses to open questions, rather than selecting a response option). SETTING Northern Rivers NSW. PARTICIPANTS YP aged 16-25 years who were Northern Rivers residents at the time of the 2017 flood. RESULTS YP found their flood experience to be novel and challenging. They expressed worry, distress, anxiety, and worsened pre-existing mental health issues as a result of the flood. YP reported a number of primary stressors (inadequate preparedness, warning and support during the flood) and secondary stressors (loss/damage of property and possessions, financial strain and disruptions to daily life) which potentially contributed to poor mental health. Some YP reported positive outcomes from their flood experience, notably increased community connectedness and personal resilience. However, they also expressed concern for the future, particularly potential reoccurrence of extreme floods as well as climate change. YP conveyed a desire for better community involvement to improve preparedness for future floods and a clear motivation to take action on climate change. CONCLUSION The flood was a challenging experience for YP which was commonly described as negatively affecting their mental health. Understanding what YP view as significant events or issues arising from their personal flood experience may help target support mechanisms and services to maintain their mental. More focus on community-based initiatives to improve disaster preparedness can support mental health in YP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Luk
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, The University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jo Longman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, The University Centre for Rural Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Nöthling J, Gibbs A, Washington L, Gigaba SG, Willan S, Abrahams N, Jewkes R. Change in emotional distress, anxiety, depression and PTSD from pre- to post-flood exposure in women residing in low-income settings in South Africa. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024; 27:201-218. [PMID: 37989799 PMCID: PMC10933147 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-023-01384-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Floods are increasing in frequency and may increase the risk for experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, depression and PTSD. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of damage, loss, injury and death resulting from floods that occurred in and around the city of Durban, South Africa, in April 2022, and associated changes in mental health pre- to post-floods in a low-income setting. Seventy-three women between the ages of 18 and 45, residing in flood affected, low-income settings, were interviewed prior to the floods occurring. Mental health measures were repeated with 69 of the 73 women during the post-flood interview along with a questionnaire measuring flood-related exposures. Loss of infrastructure (lacked access to drinking water, electricity, fresh food, could not travel to work, had to stay in a shelter and could not get hold of friends or family) was a predictor of post-flood change in levels of emotional distress and anxiety. Higher levels of prior trauma exposure were associated with higher post-flood levels of emotional distress. Higher pre-flood food insecurity was also associated with higher post-flood anxiety. Women affected by poverty, food insecurity and a history of trauma are vulnerable to the additive adverse mental health effects of floods. Proactive approaches to diminishing the impact of floods on the livelihood of women is needed and post-flood relieve efforts may be more affective if they are enhanced by providing mental health support.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Nöthling
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl DriveTygerberg, PO Box 19070, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa.
| | - A Gibbs
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl DriveTygerberg, PO Box 19070, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - S G Gigaba
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - S Willan
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl DriveTygerberg, PO Box 19070, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
- The School of Applied Human Sciences (Psychology), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - N Abrahams
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl DriveTygerberg, PO Box 19070, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - R Jewkes
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl DriveTygerberg, PO Box 19070, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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10
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Tiyuri A, Rasoulian M, Hajebi A, Naserbakht M, Shabani A, Hakim Shooshtari M, Rezapour A, Motevalian SA. Psychological impact of the Spring 2019 flood among adult population of Iran. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:1916-1927. [PMID: 37329163 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231180824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From March to April 2019, a flood occurred in several regions of Iran. The most affected provinces were Golestan, Lorestan, and Khuzestan. AIMS The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of psychological distress and depression among the affected adult population 6 months after the event. METHODS A cross-sectional household survey with face-to-face interview was carried out on a random sample of 1,671 adults aged above 15 years living in the flood-affected areas from August to September 2019. We applied GHQ-28 and PHQ-9 for the assessment of psychological distress and depression, respectively. RESULTS The prevalence of psychological distress and depression were 33.6% (95% CI [29.5, 37.7]) and 23.0% (95% CI [19.4, 26.7]), respectively. Determinants of psychological distress were a history of mental disorders (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.7), primary (AOR = 2.9) or high school (AOR = 2.4) education (vs. university), no compensation received (AOR = 2.1), high damage to assets (AOR = 1.8), the house flooded more than 1 m (AOR = 1.8), female gender (AOR = 1.8), and limited access to health care services (AOR = 1.8). Determinants of depression were unemployment (AOR = 5.3) or being a housewife (AOR = 2.7), a history of mental disorders (AOR = 4.1), high damage to assets (AOR = 2.5), no compensation received (AOR = 2.0), the house flooded more than 1 m (AOR = 1.8), limited access to health care services (AOR = 1.8), and high wealth index (AOR = 1.7). CONCLUSION The results of this study revealed a high prevalence of psychological distress and depression in the flood-affected adult population. The high-risk group, particularly flood victims who had a history of mental disorders, and those exposed to severe damages of flood, should be prioritized for screening, and mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Tiyuri
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rasoulian
- Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Hajebi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Addiction and Risky Behaviors (ReCARB), Psychosocial Health Research Institute (PHRI), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Naserbakht
- Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Shabani
- Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Hakim Shooshtari
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aziz Rezapour
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Abbas Motevalian
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Addiction and Risky Behaviors (ReCARB), Psychosocial Health Research Institute (PHRI), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Karl S, Meyer-Lindenberg A. [Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution: consequences for psychiatry]. DER NERVENARZT 2023; 94:1019-1025. [PMID: 37410101 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-023-01523-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
The climate crisis, loss of biodiversity and increasing global pollution are a threat to mental health. Comprehensive transformations are needed to overcome these crises, which will also affect the mental healthcare system. If done correctly these change processes can seize the chance to improve mental health while at the same time addressing the crises. This includes avoiding the need for psychiatric treatment by strengthening the focus on mental health promotion and prevention, and also considering environmental aspects when targetting therapy procedures. In addition, by focusing on nutrition, mobility and the effects of nature, patients can be empowered to increase their mental resilience whilst reducing the negative effects on the environment. At the same time, the mental healthcare system must adapt to changing environmental conditions: increasing heat waves make protective measures necessary, especially for people with mental illnesses and increasing extreme weather events can lead to shifts in the spectrum of illnesses. Appropriate funding mechanisms will have to be established to support mental healthcare throughout this transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Karl
- Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Deutschland.
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Deutschland
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12
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Vafeiadou A, Banissy MJ, Banissy JF, Higgins JP, Howard G. The influence of climate change on mental health in populations of the western Pacific region: An umbrella scoping review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21457. [PMID: 38053883 PMCID: PMC10694052 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Western Pacific Region (WPR) is on the front line of climate change challenges. Understanding how these challenges affect the WPR populations' mental health is essential to design effective prevention and care policies. Thus, the present study conducted an umbrella scoping review that examined the influence of climate change on mental health in the WPR, using review articles as a source of information. Ten review articles were selected according to eligibility criteria, and the findings were synthesized according to the socio-economic status of the countries identified: Australia, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, the Pacific Islands (broadly), and China. The findings revealed that each country and sub-region has its own unique profile of climate change-related challenges and vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for specific approaches to mental health care. Specifically, the influence of climate-related challenges differed according to populations' region (e.g., rural populations), demographic characteristics (e.g., age and gender), culture (e.g., traditional tights to land), and employment (e.g., farmers and fishers). The most frequently reported mental health outcomes in response to climate change-related challenges such as droughts, floods, storms, tornadoes, typhoons, and climate-related migration were the decline in mental well-being and the increase in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. In addition, using the GRADE framework for assessing the certainty of the findings, we identified that the number of articles discussing associations between a given climate change challenge and a mental health outcome was overall limited. Based on our findings and findings on a global scale, we identified several key research gaps in WPR and provided recommendations for future research and policy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael J. Banissy
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Julian P.T. Higgins
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Guy Howard
- Cabot Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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13
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Harper SL, Cunsolo A, Aylward B, Clayton S, Minor K, Cooper M, Vriezen R. Estimating climate change and mental health impacts in Canada: A cross-sectional survey protocol. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291303. [PMID: 37819884 PMCID: PMC10566728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change has severe and sweeping impacts on mental health. Although research is burgeoning on mental health impacts following climate and weather extremes, less is known about how common these impacts are outside of extreme events. Existing research exploring the prevalence of psychosocial responses to climate change primarily examines university students and uses non-random sampling methods. Herein, our protocol outlines an approach to data collection, processing, and analysis to estimate the population prevalence, magnitude, and distribution of mental health responses to climate change in Canada. A cross-sectional survey of youth and adults aged 13 years and older in Canada will be administered over the course of one year. The questionnaire will take approximately 10 minutes to complete orally and will be administered in English, French, and Inuktitut. The survey will consist of six sections: (1) self-reported past experiences of climate change; (2) self-reported climate-related emotions; (3) self-reported past and current impacts, anticipatory impacts, and vicarious experiences; (4) self-reported subclinical outcomes; (5) self-reported behavioural responses; and (6) demographics. A multi-stage, multi-stratified random probability sampling method will be used to obtain a sample representative of the Canadian population. We will use two different modes of recruitment: an addressed letter sent by postal mail or a telephone call (landlines and cellular). Population-weighted descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and weighted multivariable regression will be used to analyse the data. The results of this survey will provide the first national prevalence estimates of subclinical mental health responses to climate change outcomes of people living in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashlee Cunsolo
- School of Arctic & Subarctic Studies, Labrador Campus of Memorial University, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Canada
| | - Breanne Aylward
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Susan Clayton
- College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Kelton Minor
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Madison Cooper
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Rachael Vriezen
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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14
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Schürr A, Elbel J, Hieronimi A, Auer I, Coenen M, Böse-O'Reilly S. Mental health in adolescents after experiencing a flood event in Bavaria, Germany-A qualitative interview study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1210072. [PMID: 37744475 PMCID: PMC10511869 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1210072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the mental health impacts of extreme weather events (EWEs). This qualitative study aims to explore the stressful and protective factors after experiencing an EWE, such as flooding, how adolescents coped with these experiences and what mental health care they received. Methods Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with young adults (18-24 years) living in Simbach am Inn, a German town affected by flooding in 2016. The interviews were analyzed using Kuckartz's qualitative content analysis. Results The days after the flood were described as the most stressful time. The main stressors were concern for their family, confrontation with the extent of the damage and uncertainty during the flood. In terms of protective factors, respondents cited talking about the flood, family support and helping with cleanup as the most important. Adolescents requested further mental health care in schools and not just in the immediate aftermath. Conclusion Future preventive and therapeutic care measures should be optimized according to protective and stressful factors. Mental health care should be offered after months and should be low-threshold. Additionally, the social environment of adolescents is essential for their mental wellbeing after an EWE and needs to be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Schürr
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Elbel
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Annika Hieronimi
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabel Auer
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michaela Coenen
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Böse-O'Reilly
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
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15
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Gebhardt N, van Bronswijk K, Bunz M, Müller T, Niessen P, Nikendei C. Scoping review of climate change and mental health in Germany - Direct and indirect impacts, vulnerable groups, resilience factors. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MONITORING 2023; 8:122-149. [PMID: 37799536 PMCID: PMC10548489 DOI: 10.25646/11656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Climate change is a major threat to human health and has direct and indirect impacts on the human psyche. Methods To assess the state of knowledge on the impact of climate change on mental health in Germany, a scoping review was conducted for the focus topics extreme weather events, temperature increase, intra-psychological processing, sociological aspects, and resilience factors. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria of the searches in the databases Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, PubPsych, PubMed, and PsychInfo. The majority of the studies looked at correlative relationships in a cross-sectional design. Results There are indications of an accumulation of psychiatric disorders after extreme weather events; in addition, the risk of suicide increases with higher temperatures and it appears there is an increase in aggressive behaviour. The majority of people surveyed in Germany report concerns about the consequences of climate change, although these currently rarely lead to clinically significant impairments in mental health. Conclusions Overall, the evidence for Germany must be classified as insufficient. In addition to the absolute priority of climate protection (mitigation) by reducing emissions, there is a particular need for additional research with a focus on vulnerable groups and possibilities for prevention and adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Gebhardt
- Centre for Psychosocial Medicine at University Hospital Heidelberg Department for General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Maxie Bunz
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne Institute of General Practice Cologne, Germany
| | - Tobias Müller
- University of Cambridge Department of Politics and International Studies Cambridge, United Kingdom
- The New Institute Future of Democracy Working Group Hamburg, Germany
- Yale University Department of Political Science New Haven, USA
| | - Pia Niessen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Christoph Nikendei
- Centre for Psychosocial Medicine at University Hospital Heidelberg Department for General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Sánchez-García ID, Feliu Gilabert TS, Calvo-Manzano JA. Countermeasures and their taxonomies for risk treatment in cybersecurity: A systematic mapping review. Comput Secur 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cose.2023.103170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
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Woodland L, Ratwatte P, Phalkey R, Gillingham EL. Investigating the Health Impacts of Climate Change among People with Pre-Existing Mental Health Problems: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085563. [PMID: 37107845 PMCID: PMC10138675 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is the greatest threat to global public health, although the impacts on mental health are relatively understudied. Furthermore, there is a lack of consensus about the effects of climate change on individuals with pre-existing mental health problems. This review aimed to identify the health impacts of climate change on people with pre-existing mental health problems. The search was conducted across three databases; studies were included if they involved participants who had mental health problem(s) before a climate-driven event and reported on health outcomes post-event. A total of thirty-one studies met the full inclusion criteria. The study characteristics included 6 climate-driven events: heat events, floods, wildfires, wildfire and flood, hurricanes, and droughts, and 16 categories of pre-existing mental health problems, with depression, and non-specified mental health problems being the most common. The majority of the studies (90%, n = 28) suggest an association between the presence of pre-existing mental health problems and the likelihood of adverse health impacts (e.g., increased mortality risk, new symptom presentation, and an exacerbation of symptoms). To mitigate the exacerbation of health inequalities, people with pre-existing mental health problems should be included in adaption guidance and/or plans that mitigate the health impacts of climate change, future policy, reports, and frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Woodland
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response, King’s College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Priyanjali Ratwatte
- Climate Change and Health Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Revati Phalkey
- Climate Change and Health Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Emma L. Gillingham
- Climate Change and Health Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK
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18
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Heinz A, Meyer-Lindenberg A. [Climate change and mental health. Position paper of a task force of the DGPPN]. DER NERVENARZT 2023; 94:225-233. [PMID: 36820855 PMCID: PMC9992044 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-023-01457-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and the resulting higher frequency of extreme weather events have a direct negative impact on mental health. Natural disasters are particularly associated with an increase in the prevalence of depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. Indirect consequences of climate change, such as food shortages, economic crises, violent conflicts and forced migration, additionally represent severe psychological risk and stress factors. Climate anxiety and solastalgia, the distress induced by environmental change, are new psychological syndromes in the face of the existential threat posed by the climate crisis. Accordingly, a sustainable psychiatry must prepare for increasing and changing demands. The principles of psychiatric treatment need to focus more on prevention to reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system. Waste of resources and CO2 emissions in psychiatric treatment processes as well as infrastructure must be perceived and prevented. Psychiatric education, training and continuing education concepts should be expanded to include the topic of climate change in order to comprehensively inform and sensitize professionals, those affected and the public and to encourage climate-friendly and health-promoting behavior. More in-depth research is needed on the impact of climate change on mental health. The DGPPN becomes a sponsor and aims for climate neutrality by 2030 by committing to climate-friendly and energy-saving measures in the area of finance, in relation to the DGPPN congress as well as the DGPPN office.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Heinz
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, 68159, J5, Mannheim, Deutschland. .,Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik und Nervenheilkunde e.V., Berlin, Deutschland.
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19
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Eke CI, Norman AA, Mulenga M. Machine learning approach for detecting and combating bring your own device (BYOD) security threats and attacks: a systematic mapping review. Artif Intell Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10462-022-10382-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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20
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Tahernejad S, Ghaffari S, Ariza-Montes A, Wesemann U, Farahmandnia H, Sahebi A. Post-traumatic stress disorder in medical workers involved in earthquake response: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12794. [PMID: 36685451 PMCID: PMC9850193 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Medical workers involved in responding to the earthquake are exposed to frightening scenes and witness dead bodies and severely injured moaning people, predisposing them to multiple mental health consequences. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after earthquakes among medical workers using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Materials and methods The review study was performed following PRISMA guidelines, and the study's protocol was registered in PROSPERO with the code CRD42022333069. The data resources of Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus were searched to specify the related studies. To perform meta-analysis, the random effects model was utilized, and the I2 index was considered to assess heterogeneity between studies. The STATA software was used for data analysis. Results In the initial data resources search, 1399 articles were identified. From these articles, 13 were finally chosen for meta-analysis and quality assessment. The meta-analysis results indicated that the prevalence of post-earthquake PTSD among medical workers involved in the earthquake response was 16.37% (95% CI: 11.63-21.11, I2 = 97.33%, p = 0 < 0.001). Conclusion The medical workers involved in response to the earthquake have a relatively high risk of PTSD in the short and long term. Therefore, medical workers involved in response to disasters should undergo screening for mental health disorders before and after disasters and receive the necessary training with regard to stress management, psychological resilience, and how to express their feelings and emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Tahernejad
- Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sina Ghaffari
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering and Safety at Work, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Ulrich Wesemann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology, Bundeswehr Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hojjat Farahmandnia
- Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Sahebi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran,Corresponding author.
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Salinas-Perez JA, Gutierrez-Colosia MR, Garcia-Alonso CR, Furst MA, Tabatabaei-Jafari H, Kalseth J, Perkins D, Rosen A, Rock D, Salvador-Carulla L. Patterns of mental healthcare provision in rural areas: A demonstration study in Australia and Europe. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:993197. [PMID: 36815193 PMCID: PMC9939444 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.993197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mental healthcare systems are primarily designed to urban populations. However, the specific characteristics of rural areas require specific strategies, resource allocation, and indicators which fit their local conditions. This planning process requires comparison with other rural areas. This demonstration study aimed to describe and compare specialized rural adult mental health services in Australia, Norway, and Spain; and to demonstrate the readiness of the healthcare ecosystem approach and the DESDE-LTC mapping tool (Description and Evaluation of Services and Directories of Long Term Care) for comparing rural care between countries and across areas. METHODS The study described and classified the services using the DESDE-LTC. The analyses included context analysis, care availability, placement capacity, balance of care, and diversity of care. Additionally, readiness (Technology Readiness Levels - TRL) and impact analyses (Adoption Impact Ladder - AIL) were also assessed by two independent raters. RESULTS The findings demonstrated the usability of the healthcare ecosystem approach and the DESDE-LTC to map and identify differences and similarities in the pattern of care of highly divergent rural areas. Day care had a greater weight in the European pattern of care, while it was replaced by social outpatient care in Australian areas. In contrast, care coordination was more common in Australia, pointing to a more fragmented system that requires navigation services. The share between hospital and community residential care showed no differences between the two regions, but there were differences between catchment areas. The healthcare ecosystem approach showed a TRL 8 (the tool has been demonstrated in a real-world environment and it is ready for release and general use) and an AIL of 5 (the target public agencies provided resources for its completion). Two experts evaluated the readiness of the use of DESDE-LTC in their respective regional studies. All of them were classified using the TRL. DISCUSSION In conclusion, this study strongly supports gathering data on the provision of care in rural areas using standardized methods to inform rural service planning. It provides information on context and service availability, capacity and balance of care that may improve, directly or through subsequent analyses, the management and planning of services in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Salinas-Perez
- Department of Quantitative Methods, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain.,Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Carlos R Garcia-Alonso
- Department of Quantitative Methods, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain.,Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Mary Anne Furst
- Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | | | - David Perkins
- Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Alan Rosen
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Rock
- Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,WA Primary Health Alliance, Subiaco, WA, Australia.,Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Luis Salvador-Carulla
- Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH), Faculty of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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22
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Oluka EM, Dossen SB, Ebuenyi ID. Flooding in Nigeria, towards prioritizing mental health and psychosocial support. Pan Afr Med J 2022; 43:199. [PMID: 36942136 PMCID: PMC10024557 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2022.43.199.38251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, Nigeria has been experiencing worsening flooding. Beyond the physical injuries caused, it can impact the mental health of affected individuals. While new mental health disorders can emerge, exacerbation of preexisting mental conditions are common in the aftermath of flooding. Therefore, it is critical to integrate mental health and psychosocial support as part of the emergency response available to affected populations on both short-term and long-term basis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ikenna Desmond Ebuenyi
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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23
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Evaluating the Prevalence and Correlates of Major Depressive Disorder Among Residents of Fort McMurray, Canada, One Year After a Devastating Flood. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 17:e271. [PMID: 36537001 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2022.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of depression following the April 2020 flooding in Fort McMurray. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study design. Questionnaires were self-administered through an anonymous, online survey. Data collected included sociodemographics, flooding-related variables, clinical information, and likely major depressive disorder (MDD) using PHQ-9 scoring. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and logistic regression at P = < 0.05. RESULTS Of the 186 respondents who completed the survey, 85.5% (159) of the respondents were females, 14.5% (27) were males, 52.7% (98) were above 40 years of age, and 94% (175) were employed. The prevalence of mild to severe depression among the respondents was 53.7% (75). Respondents who reported that they are unemployed are 12 times more likely to have a moderate to severe depression (OR = 12.16; 95% CI: 1.08-136.26). Respondents who had previously received a mental health diagnosis of MDD are five times more likely to have moderate to severe depression (OR = 5.306; 95% CI: 1.84-15.27). CONCLUSION This study suggests that flooding could impact the psychosocial and mental health of affected people. There is a need to reassess the existing guidelines on emergency planning for flooding to reduce its impacts on mental health and identify where research can support future evidence-based guidelines.
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Dotse-Gborgbortsi W, Dwomoh D, Asamoah M, Gyimah FT, Dzodzomenyo M, Li C, Akowuah G, Ofosu A, Wright J. Dam-mediated flooding impact on outpatient attendance and diarrhoea cases in northern Ghana: a mixed methods study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2108. [PMCID: PMC9670488 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14568-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Floods are the most frequently occurring natural disaster and constitute a significant public health risk. Several operational satellite-based flood detection systems quantify flooding extent, but it is unclear how far the choice of satellite-based flood product affects the findings of epidemiological studies of associated public health risks. Few studies of flooding’s health impacts have used mixed methods to enrich understanding of these impacts. This study therefore aims to evaluate the relationship between two satellite-derived flood products with outpatient attendance and diarrhoeal disease in northern Ghana, identifying plausible reasons for observed relationships via qualitative interviews.
Methods
A convergent parallel mixed methods design combined an ecological time series with focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Through an ecological time series component, monthly outpatient attendance and diarrhoea case counts from health facilities in two flood-prone districts for 2016–2020 were integrated with monthly flooding map layers classified via the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Landsat satellite sensors. The relationship between reported diarrhoea and outpatient attendance with flooding was examined using Poisson regression, controlling for seasonality and facility catchment population. Four focus group discussions with affected community members and four key informant interviews with health professionals explored flooding’s impact on healthcare delivery and access.
Results
Flooding detected via Landsat better predicted outpatient attendance and diarrhoea than flooding via MODIS. Outpatient attendance significantly reduced as LandSat-derived flood area per facility catchment increased (adjusted Incidence Rate Ratio = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.61–0.99, p < 0.05), whilst reported diarrhoea significantly increased with flood area per facility catchment (adjusted Incidence Rate Ratio = 4.27, 95% CI: 2.74—6.63, p < 0.001). Key informants noted how flooding affected access to health services as patients and health professionals could not reach the health facility and emergency referrals were unable to travel.
Conclusions
The significant reduction in outpatient attendance during flooding suggests that flooding impairs healthcare delivery. The relationship is sensitive to the choice of satellite-derived flood product, so future studies should consider integrating multiple sources of satellite imagery for more robust exposure assessment. Health teams and communities should plan spatially targeted flood mitigation and health system adaptation strategies that explicitly address population and workforce mobility issues.
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Liu J, Yu W, Pan R, He Y, Wu Y, Yan S, Yi W, Li X, Song R, Yuan J, Liu L, Wei N, Jin X, Li Y, Liang Y, Sun X, Mei L, Song J, Cheng J, Su H. Association between sequential extreme precipitation-heatwaves events and hospitalizations for schizophrenia: The damage amplification effects of sequential extremes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114143. [PMID: 35998693 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the context of frequent global extreme weather events, there are few studies on the effects of sequential extreme precipitation (EP) and heatwaves (HW) events on schizophrenia. We aimed to quantify the effects of the events on hospitalizations for schizophrenia and compare them with EP and HW alone to explore the amplification effect of successive extremes on health loss. METHODS A time-series Poisson regression model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model was applied to estimate the association between sequential EP and HW events (EP-HW) and schizophrenia hospitalizations. The effects of EP-HW with different intervals and intensities on the admission of schizophrenia were compared. In addition, we calculated the mean attributable fraction (AF) and attributable numbers (AN) per exposure of extreme events to reflect the amplification effect of sequential extreme events on health hazards compared with individual extreme events. RESULTS EP-HW increased the risk of hospitalization for schizophrenia, with significant effects lasting from lag0 (RR and 95% CI: 1.150 (1.041-1.271)) to lag11 (1.046 (1.000-1.094)). Significant associations were found in the subgroups of male, female, married people, and those aged≥ 40 years old. Shorter-interval (0-3days) or higher-intensity EP-HW (both precipitation ≥ P97.5 and mean temperature ≥ P97.5) had a longer lag effect compared to EP-HW with longer intervals or lower intensity. We found that the mean AF and AN caused by each exposure to EP-HW (AF: 0.074% (0.015%-0.123%); AN: 4.284 (0.862-7.118)) were higher than those induced by each exposure to HW occurring alone (AF:0.032% (0.004%-0.058%); AN:1.845 (0.220-3.329)). CONCLUSIONS Sequential extreme precipitation-heatwaves events significantly increase the risk of hospitalizations for schizophrenia, with greater impact and disease burden than independently occurring extremes. The impact of consecutive extremes is supposed to be considered in local sector early warning systems for comprehensive public health decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintao Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Wenping Yu
- Department of Geriatrics, Shandong Daizhuang Hospital, China
| | - Rubing Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Yangyang He
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Yudong Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Shuangshuang Yan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Weizhuo Yi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Xuanxuan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Rong Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Jiajun Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Ning Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Yunfeng Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Xiaoni Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Lu Mei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Jian Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Hong Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China.
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Lee S, First JM. Mental Health Impacts of Tornadoes: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13747. [PMID: 36360627 PMCID: PMC9655757 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tornadoes are one of the most prevalent natural hazards in the United States, yet they have been underrepresented in the disaster mental health comprehensive literature. In the current study, we systematically reviewed available scientific evidence within published research journals on tornadoes and mental health from 1994 to 2021. The electronic search strategy identified 384 potentially relevant articles. Of the 384 articles, 29 articles met the inclusion criteria, representing 27,534 participants. Four broad areas were identified: (i) Mental health impacts of tornadoes; (ii) Risk factors; (iii) Protective factors; and (iv) Mental health interventions. Overall, results showed adverse mental health symptoms (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety) in both adult and pediatric populations. A number of risk factors were found to contribute to negative mental health, including demographics, tornado exposure, post-tornado stressors, and prior exposure to trauma. Protective factors found to contribute to positive outcomes included having access to physical, social, and psychological resources. Together, these findings can serve as an important resource for future mental health services in communities experiencing tornadoes.
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Vardoulakis S, Matthews V, Bailie RS, Hu W, Salvador‐Carulla L, Barratt AL, Chu C. Building resilience to Australian flood disasters in the face of climate change. Med J Aust 2022; 217:342-345. [PMID: 35717626 PMCID: PMC9795877 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sotiris Vardoulakis
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population HealthAustralian National UniversityCanberraACT,Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research NetworkAustralia
| | - Veronica Matthews
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research NetworkAustralia,University Centre for Rural Health, University of SydneyLismoreNSW
| | - Ross S Bailie
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research NetworkAustralia,University of SydneySydneyNSW
| | - Wenbiao Hu
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research NetworkAustralia,Queensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLD
| | - Luis Salvador‐Carulla
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research NetworkAustralia,Health Research InstituteUniversity of CanberraCanberraACT
| | - Alexandra L Barratt
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research NetworkAustralia,University of SydneySydneyNSW
| | - Cordia Chu
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research NetworkAustralia,Centre for Environment and Population HealthGriffith UniversityBrisbaneQLD
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Twiddy M, Trump B, Ramsden S. Understanding the long-term impact of flooding on the wellbeing of residents: A mixed methods study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274890. [PMID: 36137113 PMCID: PMC9499214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As the effects of climate change become more visible, extreme weather events are becoming more common. The effects of flooding on health are understood but the long-term impact on the well-being of those affected need to be considered. This mixed methods secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey examined the extent to which being flooded in the past is associated with ongoing concerns about flooding. Survey data were collected from residents in Hull 11 years after the initial flooding event. Respondents were asked about the floods in 2007 and their current level of concern about flooding. Ordinal logistic regression explored the effect of age and tenancy status as predictors of current concern. Textual data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Responses were received from 457 households, of whom 202 (48%) were affected by flooding in 2007. A fifth of respondents were very concerned about future flooding. Those who were not flooded were significantly less concerned about the risk of future flooding (U = 33391.0, z = 5.89, p < 0.001). Those who reported negative health and wellbeing effects from the floods were significantly more concerned about future flooding than those whose health was not affected (U = 7830.5, z = 4.43, p < 0.001). Whilst some residents were reassured by the introduction of new flood alleviation schemes, others did not feel these were adequate, and worried about the impact of climate change. The financial and emotional impacts of the floods still resonated with families 11 years after the event, with many fearing they would not cope if it happened again. Despite the 2007 floods in Hull happening over a decade ago, many of those affected continue to experience high levels of anxiety when storms are forecast. Residents feel powerless to protect themselves, and many remain unconvinced by the presence of new flood alleviation schemes. However, with the ongoing threat of climate change, it may be that other residents are unrealistic in their expectation to be ‘protected’ from flood events. Therefore, public health agencies need to be able to mobilize organizations to come together to pro-actively support families affected by flooding, to ensure those in need do not fall through the gaps of public healthcare delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Twiddy
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical and Applied Health Research, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Brendan Trump
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Ramsden
- Flood Innovation Centre Energy and Environment Institute, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
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Bailie J, Matthews V, Bailie R, Villeneuve M, Longman J. Exposure to risk and experiences of river flooding for people with disability and carers in rural Australia: a cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056210. [PMID: 35918120 PMCID: PMC9252212 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this paper, we explore the exposure to risk and experiences of people with disability and carers during a flooding event and the subsequent mental health impacts. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey between September and November 2017. Binary logistic regression models were used to investigate associations between the mental health of people with disability and carers and their exposure to the flood. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. SETTING Flood-affected communities in the rural area of Northern Rivers, New South Wales, Australia, 6 months after river flooding in 2017. PARTICIPANTS People over 16 years and a resident in the Northern Rivers at the time of the flood were invited to participate. Using a purposive, snowballing sampling technique participants were drawn from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds and had experienced different degrees of flood exposure. RESULTS Of 2252 respondents, there were 164 people with disability and 91 carers. Both groups had increased odds of having their home flooded (people with a disability: OR 2.41 95% CI 1.71 to 3.39; carers: OR 1.76 95% CI 1.10 to 2.84). On evacuation, respondents reported inaccessible, conflicting and confusing information regarding flood warnings. Essential services such as healthcare and social services were disrupted (people with a disability: OR 3.98 95% CI 2.82 to 5.60; carers 2.17 95% CI 1.33 to 3.54) and access to safe and mould free housing post flood event was limited. After taking sociodemographic factors into account, respondents with a disability and carers had greater odds of probable post-traumatic stress disorder compared with other respondents (people with a disability: 3.32 95% CI 2.22 to 4.96; carers: 1.87 95% CI 1.10 to 3.19). CONCLUSION Our findings show the profound impact and systemic neglect experienced by people with disability and carers during and after the 2017 flood event in the Northern Rivers. As people with disability will take longer to recover, they will require longer-term tailored supports and purposeful inclusion in flood preparedness and recovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie Bailie
- University Centre for Rural Health, The University of Sydney, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Veronica Matthews
- University Centre for Rural Health, The University of Sydney, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ross Bailie
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle Villeneuve
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jo Longman
- University Centre for Rural Health, The University of Sydney, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
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Lawrance EL, Thompson R, Newberry Le Vay J, Page L, Jennings N. The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence, and its Implications. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:443-498. [PMID: 36165756 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2128725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Converging global evidence highlights the dire consequences of climate change for human mental health and wellbeing. This paper summarises literature across relevant disciplines to provide a comprehensive narrative review of the multiple pathways through which climate change interacts with mental health and wellbeing. Climate change acts as a risk amplifier by disrupting the conditions known to support good mental health, including socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions, and living and working conditions. The disruptive influence of rising global temperatures and extreme weather events, such as experiencing a heatwave or water insecurity, compounds existing stressors experienced by individuals and communities. This has deleterious effects on people's mental health and is particularly acute for those groups already disadvantaged within and across countries. Awareness and experiences of escalating climate threats and climate inaction can generate understandable psychological distress; though strong emotional responses can also motivate climate action. We highlight opportunities to support individuals and communities to cope with and act on climate change. Consideration of the multiple and interconnected pathways of climate impacts and their influence on mental health determinants must inform evidence-based interventions. Appropriate action that centres climate justice can reduce the current and future mental health burden, while simultaneously improving the conditions that nurture wellbeing and equality. The presented evidence adds further weight to the need for decisive climate action by decision makers across all scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Lawrance
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, UK.,Mental Health Innovations, UK.,Grantham Institute of Climate and the Environment, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | | | - Lisa Page
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, UK
| | - Neil Jennings
- Grantham Institute of Climate and the Environment, Imperial College London, UK
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Climate Change Related Catastrophic Rainfall Events and Non-Communicable Respiratory Disease: A Systematic Review of the Literature. CLIMATE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/cli10070101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events, the impacts of which disproportionately impact urban populations. Pluvial flooding and flooding related sewer backups are thought to result in an increase in potentially hazardous human-pathogen encounters. However, the extent and nature of associations between flooding events and non-communicable respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not well understood. This research seeks to characterize the state of research on flooding and NCRDs through a systematic review of the scientific literature. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for published scholarly research papers using the terms flooding, monsoon, and tropical storm with terms for common NCRDs such as asthma, COPD, and chronic bronchitis. Papers were included if they covered research studies on individuals with defined outcomes of flooding events. We excluded review papers, case studies, and opinion pieces. We retrieved 200 articles from PubMed, 268 from Web of Science and 203 from Scopus which comprised 345 unique papers. An initial review of abstracts yielded 38 candidate papers. A full text review of each left 16 papers which were included for the review. All papers except for one found a significant association between a severe weather event and increased risk for at least one of the NCRDs included in this research. Our findings further suggest that extreme weather events may worsen pre-existing respiratory conditions and increase the risk of development of asthma. Future work should focus on more precisely defining measure of health outcomes using validated tools to describe asthma and COPD exacerbations. Research efforts should also work to collect granular data on patients’ health status and family history and assess possible confounding and mediating factors such as neighborhood water mitigation infrastructure, housing conditions, pollen counts, and other environmental variables.
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Golitaleb M, Mazaheri E, Bonyadi M, Sahebi A. Prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder After Flood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:890671. [PMID: 35815011 PMCID: PMC9259936 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.890671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Flood as the most common kind of the natural disasters has unpleased short, medium, and long-term consequences on the victims' welfare, relationships, and physical and mental health. One of the most common mental health disorders in these victims is Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of PTSD on the flood victims. Methods Data resources including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Embase, Google Scholar, conference and congress papers, key journals, the reference list of selected articles as well as systematic reviews were searched to identify studies that reported the prevalence of PTSD in flood victims. Random Effect Model was used to perform meta-analysis of the studies. Cochran test and I2 indicator were used to explore heterogeneity between the studies. Publication bias of the study was evaluated using Begg'test. Data were analyzed by STATA (version 14) software. Results After a comprehensive search, 515 papers were extracted. After eliminating duplicates and final screening, 23 studies were selected and entered the meta-analysis phase after qualitative evaluation. The results showed that the prevalence of PTSD in flood victims is 29.48% (95% CI: 18.64-40.31, I2 = 99.3%, p-value < 0.001). Conclusion The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of PTSD is relatively high in the flood victims. So, it is necessary to take preventive, supportive, therapeutic and effective actions for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Golitaleb
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Elaheh Mazaheri
- Health Information Technology Research Center, Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahtab Bonyadi
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Ali Sahebi
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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Abstract
In recent years, understanding and improving the perception of flood risk has become an important aspect of flood risk management and flood risk reduction policies. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of flood risk in the Petite Nation River watershed, located in southern Quebec, Canada. A survey was conducted with 130 residents living on a floodplain in this river watershed, which had been affected by floods in the spring of 2017. Participants were asked about different aspects related to flood risk, such as the flood hazard experience, the physical changes occurring in the environment, climate change, information accessibility, flood risk governance, adaptation measures, and finally the perception of losses. An analysis of these factors provided perspectives for improving flood risk communication and increasing the public awareness of flood risk. The results indicated that the analyzed aspects are potentially important in terms of risk perception and showed that the flood risk perceptions varied for each aspect analyzed. In general, the information regarding flood risk management is available and generally understandable, and the level of confidence was good towards most authorities. However, the experiences of flood risk and the consequences of climate change on floods were not clear among the respondents. Regarding the adaptation measures, the majority of participants tended to consider non-structural adaptation measures as being more relevant than structural ones. Moreover, the long-term consequences of flooding on property values are of highest concern. These results provide a snapshot of citizens’ risk perceptions and their opinions on topics that are directly related to such risks.
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Sharpe I, Davison CM. A Scoping Review of Climate Change, Climate-Related Disasters, and Mental Disorders among Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052896. [PMID: 35270593 PMCID: PMC8910112 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Children, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), are highly vulnerable to climate change and its impacts. Our main objective was to conduct a scoping literature review to determine how exposure to climate change and climate-related disasters influences the presence of mental disorders among children in LMICs. We also aimed to identify gaps in this area of scholarship. We included studies of children in LMICs that had a climate change or climate-related disaster exposure and mental disorder outcome. Twenty-three studies were included in the final synthesis. Fourteen studies were conducted in China, three in India, two each in Pakistan and the Philippines, and one each in Namibia and Dominica. All studies assessed the association between a climate-related disaster exposure and a mental disorder outcome, while none explored broader climate change-related exposures. Post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 21 studies) and depression (n = 8 studies) were the most common mental disorder outcomes. There was considerable between-study heterogeneity in terms of sample size, follow-up length, and outcome measurement. Overall, the literature in this area was sparse. Additional high-quality research is required to better understand the impacts of climate-related disasters and climate change on mental disorders within this population to ultimately inform future policies and interventions.
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Hwong AR, Wang M, Khan H, Chagwedera DN, Grzenda A, Doty B, Benton T, Alpert J, Clarke D, Compton WM. Climate change and mental health research methods, gaps, and priorities: a scoping review. Lancet Planet Health 2022; 6:e281-e291. [PMID: 35278392 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(22)00012-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Research on climate change and mental health is a new but rapidly growing field. To summarise key advances and gaps in the current state of climate change and mental health studies, we conducted a scoping review that comprehensively examined research methodologies using large-scale datasets. We identified 56 eligible articles published in Embase, PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science between Jan 1, 2000, and Aug 9, 2020. The primary data collection method used was surveys, which focused on self-reported mental health effects due to acute and subacute climate events. Other approaches used administrative health records to study the effect of environmental temperature on hospital admissions for mental health conditions, and national vital statistics to assess the relationship between environmental temperature and suicide rates with regression analyses. Our work highlights the need to link population-based mental health outcome databases to weather data for causal inference. Collaborations between mental health providers and data scientists can guide the formation of clinically relevant research questions on climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison R Hwong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; National Clinician Scholars Program, UCSF and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Margaret Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Southwestern Medical Center, University of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Hammad Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - D Nyasha Chagwedera
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adrienne Grzenda
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Doty
- American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tami Benton
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Alpert
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Diana Clarke
- American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC, USA
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Impact of Natural Disasters on Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on the 2014 China Family Panel Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052511. [PMID: 35270202 PMCID: PMC8908990 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mental health problems are a leading cause of disability in both developed and developing countries, and the consequences of mental health disorders for individuals, families, and society as a whole could be severe and costly. To supplement relevant research and provide insightful policy suggestions to families, government and societies, this study investigates the nexus between natural disasters and mental health for middle-aged and older adults in rural China. Based on data of 8721 observations from the 2014 China Family Panel Studies, we estimate the effects of natural disasters on mental health using ordinary least squares and propensity score matching. Our findings suggest that natural disasters have a significant negative effect on middle-aged and older adults' mental health in the case of rural China. This effect is heterogeneous depending on individuals' education level and their agricultural production status. Finally, individuals' happiness and life satisfaction are shown to be the potential mechanism through which the effect of natural disasters on mental health operates.
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Public Perceptions of Climate Change and Its Health Impacts: Taking Account of People's Exposure to Floods and Air Pollution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042246. [PMID: 35206433 PMCID: PMC8872106 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Climate change-related exposures such as flooding and ambient air pollution place people’s health at risk. A representative UK survey of adults investigated associations between reported flooding and air pollution (in the participants’ local area, by the participant personally, and/or by family and close friends) and climate change concerns (CCC) and perceptions of its health impacts (PIH). In regression analyses controlling for socio-demographic factors and health status, exposure was associated with greater CCC and more negative PIH. Compared to those with low CCC, participants who reported local-area exposure were significantly more likely to be fairly (OR 2.07, 95%CI 1.26, 3.40) or very concerned (OR 3.40, 95%CI 2.02, 5.71). Odds of greater CCC were higher for those reporting personal and/or family exposure (‘fairly concerned’: OR 2.83, 95%CI 1.20, 6.66; ‘very concerned’: OR 4.11, 95%CI 1.69, 10.05) and for those reporting both local and personal/family exposure (‘fairly concerned’: OR 3.35, 95%CI 1.99, 5.63; ‘very concerned’: OR 6.17, 95%CI 3.61, 10.55). For PIH, local exposure significantly increased the odds of perceiving impacts as ‘more bad than good’ (1.86, 95%CI 1.22, 2.82) or ‘entirely bad’ (OR 1.88; 95%CI 1.13, 3.13). Our study suggests that public awareness of climate-related exposures in their local area, together with personal exposures and those of significant others, are associated with heightened concern about climate change and its health impacts.
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Miura I, Nagao M, Nakano H, Okazaki K, Hayashi F, Harigane M, Itagaki S, Yabe H, Maeda M, Ohira T, Ishikawa T, Yasumura S, Kamiya K. Associations Between External Radiation Doses and the Risk of Psychological Distress or Post-traumatic Stress After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident: the Fukushima Health Management Survey. J Epidemiol 2022; 32:S95-S103. [PMID: 36464305 PMCID: PMC9703924 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20210226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between radiation levels and mental health status after a nuclear disaster is unknown. We examined the association between individual external radiation doses and psychological distress or post-traumatic stress after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in March 2011 in Japan. METHODS The Mental Health and Lifestyle Survey was conducted from January 2012. Based on the estimated external radiation doses for the first 4 months, a total of 64,184 subjects were classified into <1 mSv, 1 to <2 mSv, and ≥2 mSv groups. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of psychological distress and post-traumatic stress, with the <1 mSv group as the reference, were calculated using logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, evacuation, perception of radiation risk, and subjective health status. RESULTS The prevalence of psychological distress/post-traumatic stress in the <1 mSv, 1 to <2 mSv, and ≥2 mSv groups was 15.1%/22.1%, 14.0%/20.1%, and 15.0%/21.7%, respectively. In women, although the ≥2 mSv group tended to have a higher risk of psychological distress with the age-adjusted OR of 1.13 (95% CI, 0.99-1.30), the adjusted OR decreased to 1.00 (95% CI, 0.86-1.16) after controlling for all variables. On the other hand, there were no dose-dependent associations between radiation dose and post-traumatic stress. CONCLUSION Although external radiation doses were not associated with psychological distress, evacuation and perception of radiation risk may increase the risk of psychological distress in women in the higher dose group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itaru Miura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masanori Nagao
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hironori Nakano
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kanako Okazaki
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Fukushima Medical University School of Health Sciences, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Fumikazu Hayashi
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Mayumi Harigane
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Itagaki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masaharu Maeda
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ohira
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ishikawa
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kenji Kamiya
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Lieber M, Chin-Hong P, Kelly K, Dandu M, Weiser SD. A systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the impact of droughts, flooding, and climate variability on malnutrition. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:68-82. [PMID: 33332222 PMCID: PMC8209118 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1860247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both the World Health Organization and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change project that malnutrition will be the greatest contributor to climate change-associated morbidity and mortality. Although there have been several studies that have examined the potential effects of climate change on human health broadly, the effects on malnutrition are still not well understood. We conducted a systematic review investigating the role of three climate change proxies (droughts, floods, and climate variability) on malnutrition in children and adults. METHODS AND FINDINGS We identified 22 studies examining the effects of droughts, floods, and climate variability on at least one malnutrition metric. We found that 17 out of 22 studies reported a significant relationship between climate change proxies and at least one malnutrition metric. In meta-analysis, drought conditions were significantly associated with both wasting (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.46, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.05-2.04) and underweight prevalence (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.01-2.11). CONCLUSIONS Given the long-term consequences of malnutrition on individuals and society, adoption of climate change adaptation strategies such as sustainable agriculture and water irrigation practices, as well as improving nutritional interventions aimed at children aged 1-2 years and older adults, should be prioritised on global policy agendas in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Lieber
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Peter Chin-Hong
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Knox Kelly
- California Pacific Medical Center. 3700 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
| | - Madhavi Dandu
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Sheri D. Weiser
- University of California, San Francisco, Division of HIV, Infectious Disease and Global Medicine
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Agyapong B, Shalaby R, Eboreime E, Obuobi-Donkor G, Owusu E, Adu MK, Mao W, Oluwasina F, Agyapong VIO. Cumulative trauma from multiple natural disasters increases mental health burden on residents of Fort McMurray. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2059999. [PMID: 35599978 PMCID: PMC9116266 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2059999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fort McMurray, a city in northern Alberta, Canada, has experienced multiple traumatic events in the last five years, including the 2016 wildfire, the 2020 floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Traumatic events often lead to increased mental health burdens in affected communities. OBJECTIVE To assess if the number of traumatic events experienced by residents of Fort McMurray correlates with the prevalence and severity of mental health issues experienced. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study using an online survey questionnaire was used to gather demographic, trauma (wildfire, flooding, and COVID-19), and clinical information from the resident of Fort McMurray between April 24 to June 2 2021. Likely Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and low resilience were measured using standardised rating scales. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 26 using Chi-Square tests and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS Respondents who experienced COVID-19 and either flood or wildfire traumas (N = 101) were eleven times more likely to have GAD symptoms (OR: 11.39; 95% CI: 1.43-91.04), four times more likely to have likely MDD, (OR: 3.85; 95% CI: .995-14.90), ten times more likely to have likely PTSD (OR: 10.47; 95% CI: 1.28-85.67), and low resilience (OR: 10.56; 95% CI: 1.21-92.17). Respondents who experienced COVID-19, flooding, and wildfire traumas (N = 47) were eighteen times more likely to express GAD symptoms (OR: 18.30; 95% CI: 2.20-152.45) and more than eleven times likely to have likely PTSD (OR: 11.41; 95% CI: 1.34-97.37) in comparison to the respondents who experienced COVID-19 only trauma (N = 19). CONCLUSION Measures to reduce climate change and associated natural disasters could reduce the impact of cumulative trauma and associated mental health burden in vulnerable populations. It is essential that more mental health resources are mobilised to support communities impacted by multiple natural disasters. HIGHLIGHTS The number of traumatic disasters experienced in residents of Fort McMurray five years after the 2016 wildfires, a year after the 2020 flooding, and during the COVID-19 pandemic correlates with the prevalence and severity of the mental health conditions reported in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Global Psychological E-Health Foundation, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Reham Shalaby
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ejemai Eboreime
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Global Psychological E-Health Foundation, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Ernest Owusu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Medard K Adu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Wanying Mao
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Vincent I O Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Global Psychological E-Health Foundation, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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Agyapong B, Eboreime E, Shalaby R, Pazderka H, Obuobi-Donkor G, Adu MK, Mao W, Oluwasina F, Owusu E, Greenshaw AJ, Agyapong VIO. Mental Health Impacts of Wildfire, Flooding and COVID-19 on Fort McMurray School Board Staff and Other Employees: A Comparative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:ijerph19010435. [PMID: 35010692 PMCID: PMC8744856 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Fort McMurray, a city in northern Alberta, Canada, has experienced multiple traumas in the last five years, including the 2016 wildfire, the 2020 floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Eighteen months after the wildfire, major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms were elevated among school board employees in the city. Objective: This study aimed to compare employees of the school board and other employees of Fort McMurray in respect to the impact the 2016 wildfires, the 2019 COVID pandemic, and the 2020 floods had on their mental health. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted in Fort McMurray from 24 April to 2 June 2021. Online questionnaires were administered through REDCap and were designed to capture socio-demographic characteristics, clinical as well as wildfire, COVID-19, and flooding-related variables. Mental health outcome variables were captured using self-reported standardized assessment scales. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square/Fisher’s Exact tests, and binary regression analysis. Results: Of the 249 residents who accessed the online survey, 186 completed the survey, giving a response rate of 74.7%. Of these respondents, 93.5% (174) indicated their employment status and were included in the Chi-square analysis. Most of the respondents were female (86.2%, (150)), above 40 years (53.4%, (93)), and were in a relationship (71.3%, (124)). The prevalence values for MDD, GAD and PTSD among respondents were 42.4%, 41.0, and 36.8%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between employees of the school board and other employees with respect to likely PTSD prevalence (28% vs. 45%, respectively, p < 0.05), although with other factors controlled for, in a binary logistic regression model, employer type did not significantly predict likely PTSD. Conclusions: The study has established that likely PTSD symptoms were significantly higher in other employees compared to those of school board employees. Greater exposure to the traumatic events and a greater perceived lack of support from other employers might have contributed to the significantly higher prevalence of PTSD in other employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Agyapong
- Global Psychological e-Health Foundation, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada;
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (E.E.); (R.S.); (H.P.); (G.O.-D.); (M.K.A.); (W.M.); (F.O.); (E.O.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Ejemai Eboreime
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (E.E.); (R.S.); (H.P.); (G.O.-D.); (M.K.A.); (W.M.); (F.O.); (E.O.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Reham Shalaby
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (E.E.); (R.S.); (H.P.); (G.O.-D.); (M.K.A.); (W.M.); (F.O.); (E.O.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Hannah Pazderka
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (E.E.); (R.S.); (H.P.); (G.O.-D.); (M.K.A.); (W.M.); (F.O.); (E.O.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Gloria Obuobi-Donkor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (E.E.); (R.S.); (H.P.); (G.O.-D.); (M.K.A.); (W.M.); (F.O.); (E.O.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Medard K. Adu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (E.E.); (R.S.); (H.P.); (G.O.-D.); (M.K.A.); (W.M.); (F.O.); (E.O.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Wanying Mao
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (E.E.); (R.S.); (H.P.); (G.O.-D.); (M.K.A.); (W.M.); (F.O.); (E.O.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Folajinmi Oluwasina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (E.E.); (R.S.); (H.P.); (G.O.-D.); (M.K.A.); (W.M.); (F.O.); (E.O.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Ernest Owusu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (E.E.); (R.S.); (H.P.); (G.O.-D.); (M.K.A.); (W.M.); (F.O.); (E.O.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Andrew J. Greenshaw
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (E.E.); (R.S.); (H.P.); (G.O.-D.); (M.K.A.); (W.M.); (F.O.); (E.O.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Vincent I. O. Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (E.E.); (R.S.); (H.P.); (G.O.-D.); (M.K.A.); (W.M.); (F.O.); (E.O.); (A.J.G.)
- Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-780-215-7771; Fax: +902-473-4887
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Sharpe I, Davison CM. Climate change, climate-related disasters and mental disorder in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051908. [PMID: 34649848 PMCID: PMC8522671 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Climate change and climate-related disasters adversely affect mental health. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and climate-related disasters and often lack adequate mental healthcare infrastructure. We used the scoping review methodology to determine how exposure to climate change and climate-related disasters influences the presence of mental disorders among those living in LMICs. We also aimed to recognise existing gaps in this area of literature. METHODS This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. To identify relevant studies, we searched five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, APA PsycInfo and Sociological Abstracts) from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2019. We also searched the grey literature. Included studies had an adult-focused LMIC population, a climate change or climate-related disaster exposure and a mental disorder outcome. Relevant study information was extracted and synthesised. RESULTS Fifty-eight studies were identified, most of which (n=48) employed a cross-sectional design. The most commonly studied exposure-outcome combinations were flood-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (n=28), flood-related depression (n=15) and storm-related PTSD (n=13). The majority of studies identified a positive exposure-outcome association. However, few studies included a baseline or comparator (ie, unexposed) group, thereby limiting our understanding of the magnitude or nature of this association. There was also great heterogeneity in this literature, making studies difficult to pool or compare. Several research gaps were identified including the lack of longitudinal studies and non-uniformity of geographic coverage. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this was the first scoping review to investigate the relationship between climate change and climate-related disaster exposures and mental disorder outcomes in LMICs. Our findings support the need for further research, but also highlight that mental health should be a priority within LMIC climate change policy considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel Sharpe
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colleen M Davison
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Hu MD, Lawrence KG, Gall M, Emrich CT, Bodkin MR, Jackson WB, MacNell N, Kwok RK, Engel LS, Sandler DP. Natural hazards and mental health among US Gulf Coast residents. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:842-851. [PMID: 33603095 PMCID: PMC8371064 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00301-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals affected by disasters are at risk for adverse mental health sequelae. Individuals living in the US Gulf Coast have experienced many recent major disasters, but few studies have explored the cumulative burden of experiencing multiple disasters on mental health. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between disaster burden and mental health. METHODS We used data from 9278 Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study participants who completed questionnaires on perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2011-2013. We linked 2005-2010 county-level data from the Spatial Hazard Events and Losses Database for the United States, a database of loss-causing events, to participant's home address. Exposure measures included total count of loss events as well as severity quantified as property/crop losses per capita from all hazards. We used multilevel modeling to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each exposure-outcome relationship. RESULTS Total count of loss events was positively associated with perceived stress (ORQ4:1.40, 95% CI:1.21-1.61) and was inversely associated with PTSD (ORQ4:0.66, 95% CI:0.45-0.96). Total duration of exposure was also associated with stress (ORQ4:1.16, 95% CI:1.01-1.33) but not with other outcomes. Severity based on cumulative fatalities/injuries was associated with anxiety (ORQ4:1.31, 95% CI:1.05-1.63) and stress (ORQ4:1.34, 95% CI:1.15-1.57), and severity based on cumulative property/crop losses was associated with anxiety (ORQ4:1.42, 95% CI:1.12-1.81), depression (ORQ4:1.22, 95% CI:0.95-1.57) and PTSD (ORQ4:1.99, 95% CI:1.44-2.76).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Hu
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kaitlyn G Lawrence
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Melanie Gall
- Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Christopher T Emrich
- College of Community Innovation and Education, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Richard K Kwok
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA.
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Fothergill LJ, Disney AS, Wilson EE. A qualitative exploration of the psychological impacts of living with the uncertainty of persistent flood risk. Public Health 2021; 198:141-145. [PMID: 34425284 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Flooding is associated with increased psychological morbidity; however, the impact of living with the uncertainty of flood risk has not been explored. The aim of this study was to generate insight into individual experiences of living with persistent flood risk, how it affects psychological well-being, and the forms of support deemed appropriate to mitigate psychological risks. STUDY DESIGN A qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews with participants who lived in a persistent flood risk area in Nottinghamshire, UK. METHODS 40 participants were interviewed. The study adopted an interpretivist constructionist position, and the transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Persistent flood risk was seen as a significant stressor, regardless of previous flood history. Some participants reported anxiety in anticipation of a future flood event and demonstrated low self-efficacy, with subsequent feelings of helplessness in responding to flood risk. Individuals who lacked acceptance of flood risk displayed higher anxiety and lower resilience. Recognition of flood risk as a psychological stressor was requested in future support. CONCLUSIONS Living with the uncertainty of persistent flood risk can have significant psychological impacts. Interventions that facilitate the empowerment of individuals living with persistent flood risk may strengthen psychological resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Fothergill
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Clinical Sciences Building, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK.
| | - A S Disney
- Partnerships and Strategic Overview, Environment Agency (Trentside Offices), Lady Bay Bridge, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 5FA, UK.
| | - E E Wilson
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Clinical Sciences Building, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK.
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Monsell A, Krzanowski J, Page L, Cuthbert S, Harvey G. What mental health professionals and organisations should do to address climate change. BJPsych Bull 2021; 45:215-221. [PMID: 33947498 PMCID: PMC8499631 DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2021.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS AND METHOD The climate change emergency is also a mental healthcare emergency. We seek to provide a framework for what mental health professionals and organisations should do to make their practice more sustainable. RESULTS There are ethical, legal and organisational imperatives to make mental healthcare more sustainable. Mental healthcare must be refocused with an emphasis on prevention, building social capital and community resilience. Patients must be empowered to manage their own mental health. Efficiencies should be found within the system. Low-carbon ways to deliver care must be found, measured and improved upon. Greater adaptability needs to be built into the system to mitigate the impact of climate change. Sustainability should be integrated into training programmes, and good examples of practice shared and celebrated. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Mental health organisations and individuals must act now to prevent and adapt for the climate and ecological emergency. Sustainable practice is also good practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Monsell
- Camden and Islington Mental Health and Social Care Trust, UK
| | | | - Lisa Page
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | | | - Guy Harvey
- Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Rocque RJ, Beaudoin C, Ndjaboue R, Cameron L, Poirier-Bergeron L, Poulin-Rheault RA, Fallon C, Tricco AC, Witteman HO. Health effects of climate change: an overview of systematic reviews. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046333. [PMID: 34108165 PMCID: PMC8191619 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 110.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to develop a systematic synthesis of systematic reviews of health impacts of climate change, by synthesising studies' characteristics, climate impacts, health outcomes and key findings. DESIGN We conducted an overview of systematic reviews of health impacts of climate change. We registered our review in PROSPERO (CRD42019145972). No ethical approval was required since we used secondary data. Additional data are not available. DATA SOURCES On 22 June 2019, we searched Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included systematic reviews that explored at least one health impact of climate change. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS We organised systematic reviews according to their key characteristics, including geographical regions, year of publication and authors' affiliations. We mapped the climate effects and health outcomes being studied and synthesised major findings. We used a modified version of A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) to assess the quality of studies. RESULTS We included 94 systematic reviews. Most were published after 2015 and approximately one-fifth contained meta-analyses. Reviews synthesised evidence about five categories of climate impacts; the two most common were meteorological and extreme weather events. Reviews covered 10 health outcome categories; the 3 most common were (1) infectious diseases, (2) mortality and (3) respiratory, cardiovascular or neurological outcomes. Most reviews suggested a deleterious impact of climate change on multiple adverse health outcomes, although the majority also called for more research. CONCLUSIONS Most systematic reviews suggest that climate change is associated with worse human health. This study provides a comprehensive higher order summary of research on health impacts of climate change. Study limitations include possible missed relevant reviews, no meta-meta-analyses, and no assessment of overlap. Future research could explore the potential explanations between these associations to propose adaptation and mitigation strategies and could include broader sociopsychological health impacts of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhea J Rocque
- Prairie Climate Centre, The University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Ruth Ndjaboue
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- VITAM Research Centre for Sustainable Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Cameron
- Prairie Climate Centre, The University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | | | - Catherine Fallon
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- CHUQ Research Centre, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Andrea C Tricco
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Holly O Witteman
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- VITAM Research Centre for Sustainable Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
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Thoma MV, Rohleder N, Rohner SL. Clinical Ecopsychology: The Mental Health Impacts and Underlying Pathways of the Climate and Environmental Crisis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:675936. [PMID: 34093283 PMCID: PMC8175799 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.675936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Humankind is confronted with progressing climate change, pollution, environmental degradation, and/or destruction of the air, soil, water, and ecosystems. The climate and environmental crisis is probably one of the greatest challenges in the history of humankind. It not only poses a serious current and continuing threat to physical health, but is also an existing and growing hazard to the mental health of millions of people worldwide. This synergy of literature provides a current summary of the adverse mental health impacts of the climate and environmental crisis from the perspective of Clinical Psychology. Furthermore, it presents potential underlying processes, including biological, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social pathways. The existing data suggest that the climate and environmental crisis not only acts as a direct stressor, but can also exert a detrimental impact on the various pathways, with the potential to amplify an individual's biopsychosocial vulnerability to develop mental ill-health. This is a call for an increased investigation into this emerging research field of Clinical Ecopsychology by clinical psychologists and other researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam V. Thoma
- Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention, Institute of Psychology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program “Dynamics of Healthy Aging,” University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Rohleder
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Chair of Health Psychology, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Shauna L. Rohner
- Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention, Institute of Psychology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program “Dynamics of Healthy Aging,” University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Poulsen MN, Schwartz BS, Dewalle J, Nordberg C, Pollak JS, Silva J, Mercado CI, Rolka DB, Siegel KR, Hirsch AG. Proximity to freshwater blue space and type 2 diabetes onset: the importance of historical and economic context. LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING 2021; 209:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104060. [PMID: 34737482 PMCID: PMC8563019 DOI: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Salutogenic effects of living near aquatic areas (blue space) remain underexplored, particularly in non-coastal and non-urban areas. We evaluated associations of residential proximity to inland freshwater blue space with new onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) in central and northeast Pennsylvania, USA, using medical records to conduct a nested case-control study. T2D cases (n=15,888) were identified from diabetes diagnoses, medication orders, and laboratory test results and frequency-matched on age, sex, and encounter year to diabetes-free controls (n=79,435). We calculated distance from individual residences to the nearest lake, river, tributary, or large stream, and residence within the 100-year floodplain. Logistic regression models adjusted for community socioeconomic deprivation and other confounding variables and stratified by community type (townships [rural/suburban], boroughs [small towns], city census tracts). Compared to individuals living ≥1.25 miles from blue space, those within 0.25 miles had 8% and 17% higher odds of T2D onset in townships and boroughs, respectively. Among city residents, T2D odds were 38-39% higher for those living 0.25 to <0.75 miles from blue space. Residing within the floodplain was associated with 16% and 14% higher T2D odds in townships and boroughs. A post-hoc analysis demonstrated patterns of lower residential property values with nearer distance to the region's predominant waterbody, suggesting unmeasured confounding by socioeconomic disadvantage. This may explain our unexpected findings of higher T2D odds with closer proximity to blue space. Our findings highlight the importance of historic and economic context and interrelated factors such as flood risk and lack of waterfront development in blue space research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian S Schwartz
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Geisinger, Danville, PA
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Joseph Dewalle
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Geisinger, Danville, PA
| | - Cara Nordberg
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Geisinger, Danville, PA
| | - Jonathan S Pollak
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jennifer Silva
- Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | - Carla I Mercado
- Division of Diabetes Translation, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Deborah B Rolka
- Division of Diabetes Translation, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Karen Rae Siegel
- Division of Diabetes Translation, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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Yu J, Castellani K, Forysinski K, Gustafson P, Lu J, Peterson E, Tran M, Yao A, Zhao J, Brauer M. Geospatial indicators of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity to assess neighbourhood variation in vulnerability to climate change-related health hazards. Environ Health 2021; 20:31. [PMID: 33752667 PMCID: PMC7986027 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00708-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the frequency and magnitude of climate change-related health hazards (CCRHHs) are likely to increase, the population vulnerabilities and corresponding health impacts are dependent on a community's exposures, pre-existing sensitivities, and adaptive capacities in response to a hazard's impact. To evaluate spatial variability in relative vulnerability, we: 1) identified climate change-related risk factors at the dissemination area level; 2) created actionable health vulnerability index scores to map community risks to extreme heat, flooding, wildfire smoke, and ground-level ozone; and 3) spatially evaluated vulnerability patterns and priority areas of action to address inequity. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted to identify the determinants of health hazards among populations impacted by CCRHHs. Identified determinants were then grouped into categories of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity and aligned with available data. Data were aggregated to 4188 Census dissemination areas within two health authorities in British Columbia, Canada. A two-step principal component analysis (PCA) was then used to select and weight variables for each relative vulnerability score. In addition to an overall vulnerability score, exposure, adaptive capacity, and sensitivity sub-scores were computed for each hazard. Scores were then categorised into quintiles and mapped. RESULTS Two hundred eighty-one epidemiological papers met the study criteria and were used to identify 36 determinant indicators that were operationalized across all hazards. For each hazard, 3 to 5 principal components explaining 72 to 94% of the total variance were retained. Sensitivity was weighted much higher for extreme heat, wildfire smoke and ground-level ozone, and adaptive capacity was highly weighted for flooding vulnerability. There was overall varied contribution of adaptive capacity (16-49%) across all hazards. Distinct spatial patterns were observed - for example, although patterns varied by hazard, vulnerability was generally higher in more deprived and more outlying neighbourhoods of the study region. CONCLUSIONS The creation of hazard and category-specific vulnerability indices (exposure, adaptive capacity and sensitivity sub-scores) supports evidence-based approaches to prioritize public health responses to climate-related hazards and to reduce inequity by assessing relative differences in vulnerability along with absolute impacts. Future studies can build upon this methodology to further understand the spatial variation in vulnerability and to identify and prioritise actionable areas for adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Yu
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia (UBC), 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Kaitlin Castellani
- Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, Forest Sciences Centre, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Krista Forysinski
- Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, The University of British Columbia, 429-2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Paul Gustafson
- Department of Statistics, The University of British Columbia, 3182 Earth Sciences Building, 2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - James Lu
- Vancouver Coastal Health, 601 West Broadway, 11th floor, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4C2 Canada
| | - Emily Peterson
- Vancouver Coastal Health, 601 West Broadway, 11th floor, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4C2 Canada
| | - Martino Tran
- School of Community and Regional Planning, The University of British Columbia, 433 - 6333 Memorial Road, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Angela Yao
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia (UBC), 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, 317 - 2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Michael Brauer
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia (UBC), 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3 Canada
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Hetherington E, Adhikari K, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Patten S, Metcalfe A. Birth outcomes, pregnancy complications, and postpartum mental health after the 2013 Calgary flood: A difference in difference analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246670. [PMID: 33571314 PMCID: PMC7877569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In June 2013, the city of Calgary, Alberta and surrounding areas sustained significant flooding which resulted in large scale evacuations and closure of businesses and schools. Floods can increase stress which may negatively impact perinatal outcomes and mental health, but previous research is inconsistent. The objectives of this study are to examine the impact of the flood on pregnancy health, birth outcomes and postpartum mental health. Methods Linked administrative data from the province of Alberta were used. Outcomes included preterm birth, small for gestational age, a new diagnoses of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, and a diagnosis of, or drug prescription for, depression or anxiety. Data were analyzed using a quasi-experimental difference in difference design, comparing flooded and non-flooded areas and in affected and unaffected time periods. Multivariable log binomial regression models were used to estimate risk ratios, adjusted for maternal age. Marginal probabilities for the difference in difference term were used to show the potential effect of the flood. Results Participants included 18,266 nulliparous women for the pregnancy outcomes, and 26,956 women with infants for the mental health analysis. There were no effects for preterm birth (DID 0.00, CI: -0.02, 0.02), small for gestational age (DID 0.00, CI: -0.02, 0.02), or new cases of preeclampsia (DID 0.00, CI: -0.01, 0.01). There was a small increase in new cases of gestational hypertension (DID 0.02, CI: 0.01, 0.03) in flood affected areas. There were no differences in postpartum anxiety or depression prescriptions or diagnoses. Conclusion The Calgary 2013 flood was associated with a minor increase in gestational hypertension and not other health outcomes. Universal prenatal care and magnitude of the disaster may have minimized impacts of the flood on pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Hetherington
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Kamala Adhikari
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Fund, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Scott Patten
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy Metcalfe
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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