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Preliminary Assessment of Hurricane Harvey Exposures and Mental Health Impact

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  • Rebecca M. Schwartz

    (Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Hofstra Northwell Health School of Medicine, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA
    Department of Population Health Science and Policy and Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
    Center for Disaster Health, Trauma and Resilience; Mount Sinai, Stony Brook University, Northwell Health, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA)

  • Stephanie Tuminello

    (Department of Population Health Science and Policy and Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
    Center for Disaster Health, Trauma and Resilience; Mount Sinai, Stony Brook University, Northwell Health, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA)

  • Samantha M. Kerath

    (Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Hofstra Northwell Health School of Medicine, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA
    Center for Biomedical Science, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA)

  • Janelle Rios

    (The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX 75235, USA)

  • Wil Lieberman-Cribbin

    (Department of Population Health Science and Policy and Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
    Center for Disaster Health, Trauma and Resilience; Mount Sinai, Stony Brook University, Northwell Health, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA)

  • Emanuela Taioli

    (Department of Population Health Science and Policy and Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
    Center for Disaster Health, Trauma and Resilience; Mount Sinai, Stony Brook University, Northwell Health, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA)

Abstract

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 (OR adj ) 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–2.05) and property-related exposure (OR adj 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebecca M. Schwartz & Stephanie Tuminello & Samantha M. Kerath & Janelle Rios & Wil Lieberman-Cribbin & Emanuela Taioli, 2018. "Preliminary Assessment of Hurricane Harvey Exposures and Mental Health Impact," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-9, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:5:p:974-:d:146074
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rebecca M. Schwartz & Christina N. Gillezeau & Bian Liu & Wil Lieberman-Cribbin & Emanuela Taioli, 2017. "Longitudinal Impact of Hurricane Sandy Exposure on Mental Health Symptoms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-12, August.
    2. Fussell, Elizabeth & Lowe, Sarah R., 2014. "The impact of housing displacement on the mental health of low-income parents after Hurricane Katrina," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 137-144.
    3. Shenassa, E.D. & Daskalakis, C. & Liebhaber, A. & Braubach, M. & Brown, M., 2007. "Dampness and mold in the home and depression: An examination of mold-related illness and perceived control of one's home as possible depression pathways," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(10), pages 1893-1899.
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    Cited by:

    1. Omolola E. Adepoju & Daikwon Han & Minji Chae & Kendra L. Smith & Lauren Gilbert & Sumaita Choudhury & LeChauncy Woodard, 2021. "Health Disparities and Climate Change: The Intersection of Three Disaster Events on Vulnerable Communities in Houston, Texas," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Marco Helbich, 2018. "Mental Health and Environmental Exposures: An Editorial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-4, October.

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