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Change in the health of tsunami-exposed mothers three years after the natural disaster

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  • Thulitha Wickrama
  • Scott A. Ketring

Abstract

Background: Women’s experiences with secondary stressors resulting from natural disasters, such as increased economic insecurity, expanded caregiving responsibilities and disrupted family life, may contribute to women’s mental and physical health problems. Aims: The present study investigates change and stability in post-tsunami depressive symptoms and perceived physical health of tsunami-exposed mothers over three and a half years. Methods: Using data from 160 tsunami-affected mothers, the present study uses structural equation modelling to investigate (1) change, stability, cross-lagged reciprocal influences of mental and physical health and (2) the meditation effect of negative life events on the relationship between tsunami exposure and post-tsunami depressive symptoms and perceived physical health of tsunami-exposed mothers from 2005 to 2008. Results: Tsunami exposure contributed to depressive symptoms among mothers independently of pre-tsunami family adversities. Average depressive symptoms showed a decline whereas poor physical health showed an increase over this period. The results also revealed an interrelated health process between depression and physical health over time. Continuity of health problems were mediated by secondary stressors that also exerted an additive effect on later health problems. Conclusions: Post-disaster intervention and recovery programmes should focus not only on mothers’ exposure to natural disasters, but also their pre- and post-natural disaster adversities. They should reach disaster-exposed mothers directly and have an integrated health approach to disrupt continuities of health problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Thulitha Wickrama & Scott A. Ketring, 2012. "Change in the health of tsunami-exposed mothers three years after the natural disaster," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 58(3), pages 278-288, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:58:y:2012:i:3:p:278-288
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764010394279
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wickrama, K.A.S. & Wickrama, K.A. Thulitha, 2008. "Family context of mental health risk in Tsunami affected mothers: Findings from a pilot study in Sri Lanka," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(4), pages 994-1007, February.
    2. Miles G. Taylor & Scott M. Lynch, 2004. "Trajectories of Impairment, Social Support, and Depressive Symptoms in Later Life," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 59(4), pages 238-246.
    3. Wickrama, K.A.S. & Kaspar, Violet, 2007. "Family context of mental health risk in Tsunami-exposed adolescents: Findings from a pilot study in Sri Lanka," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(3), pages 713-723, February.
    4. Noh, S. & Kaspar, V. & Wickrama, K.A.S., 2007. "Overt and subtle racial discrimination and mental health: Preliminary findings for Korean immigrants," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(7), pages 1269-1274.
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