Skip Navigation

Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal Preliminary assessment of Hurricane Harvey exposures and mental health impact

Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal

Schwartz RM, Tuminello S, Kerath SM, Rios J, Lieberman-Cribbin W, Taioli E
2018
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 15 (5): 974

Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Houston, Texas on 25 August 2017, the psychological and physical effects of which are still unknown. We assessed hurricane exposure and the immediate mental health needs of the population to define public health priorities for a larger epidemiological study. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants (n = 41) from the greater Houston area aged ≥18 years. Participants completed a questionnaire about demographics, hurricane exposures, and physical/mental health. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was measured with the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-S (PCL-S; a score ≥30 indicated probable PTSD symptoms). The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) was used to assess symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety disorder. The average PTSD score was 32.9 (SD = 17.1); a total of 46% of participants met the threshold for probable PTSD. Increased overall hurricane exposure (adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06(-)2.05) and property-related exposure (ORadj 1.53; 95% CI: 1.07(-)2.18) were both statistically significantly associated with increased odds of probable PTSD symptoms. A perception of chemical/toxin exposure due to Hurricane Harvey was reported by 44% of participants. A higher number of personal or property exposures were associated with greater mental health symptoms three weeks post-hurricane. This work has implications for the ongoing response to Hurricane Harvey and for assessing the immediate needs of the population.

Expand Abstract

Resource Description

    Extreme Weather-Related Event or Disaster
    • Extreme Weather-Related Event or Disaster: Hurricane
    Urban
    United States
    Mental Health and Well-Being
    • Mental Health and Well-Being: General Mental Health and Well-Being
    Research Article
    Communication
    • Communication: General Public/Unspecified
Back
to Top