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Your Environment. Your Health.

Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal Family context of mental health risk in Tsunami affected mothers: Findings from a pilot study in Sri Lanka

Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal

Author(s):
Wickrama KAS, Wickrama KAT
Year:
2008
Journal:
Social Science & Medicine. 66 (4): 994-1007
Abstract:

This study investigated direct and indirect influences of Tsunami exposure on mothers' PTSD and depressive symptoms using survey data from 325 Tsunami-affected families living in two villages in southern Sri Lanka. Findings generally support the hypothesized model in that life and property destruction contributed to the PTSD and depressive symptoms of mothers. Detrimental influences of Tsunami exposure also operated through the generation of more proximal secondary Tsunami risks such as post-Tsunami family problems. In addition, religious participation, familism, number of children, intact family status, and community support reduced mothers' depressive symptoms. Finally, intact family status and high religious participation moderated the detrimental influence of Tsunami exposure on mothers' PTSD symptoms. These findings can contribute directly to improving ongoing recovery and reconstruction programs and help to formulate future programs for families affected by the Tsunami and other natural disasters.

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Resource Description

Exposure What is this?

weather or climate related pathway by which climate change affects health

    Extreme Weather-Related Event or Disaster
    • Extreme Weather-Related Event or Disaster: Flood
Geographic Feature What is this?

resource focuses on specific type of geography

    Ocean/Coastal
Geographic Location What is this?

resource focuses on specific location

    Non-United States
    • Non-United States: Asia
Health Impact What is this?

specification of health effect or disease related to climate change exposure

    Mental Health and Well-Being
    • Mental Health and Well-Being: Stress Disorder
Resource Type What is this?

format or standard characteristic of resource

    Research Article
Special Topic What is this?

related topics that intersect with those captured in other filters

    Adaptation, Climate Justice/Climate Equity, Communication, Sociodemographic Vulnerability, Vulnerable Population
    • Adaptation, Climate Justice/Climate Equity, Communication, Sociodemographic Vulnerability, Vulnerable Population: Adaptation Co-Benefit/Co-Harm, Resilience, Vulnerability Assessment
    • Adaptation, Climate Justice/Climate Equity, Communication, Sociodemographic Vulnerability, Vulnerable Population: General Public/Unspecified, Other communication Audience, Specify
    • Adaptation, Climate Justice/Climate Equity, Communication, Sociodemographic Vulnerability, Vulnerable Population: Low Socioeconomic Status
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