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Hurricane Katrina: addictive behavior trends and predictors.
1Texas A&M University, 102 Bolton Hall, MS-4234 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4234, USA. beaudoin@tamu.edu
Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
|May 11, 2011
Summary
Following Hurricane Katrina, alcohol consumption increased, while smoking remained stable. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social factors influenced these addictive behaviors in adults.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina can significantly impact mental health and behavior.
- Understanding post-disaster substance use is crucial for effective public health interventions.
- African American adults in New Orleans faced unique challenges post-Katrina.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify trends in alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking after Hurricane Katrina.
- To determine predictors of these substance use behaviors in the post-disaster period.
- To examine the role of mental health and social factors in addictive behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from cross-sectional and panel surveys of African American adults in New Orleans.
- Collected data before (2004-2005) and after (2006) Hurricane Katrina.
- Analyzed associations between substance use, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), news attention, social support, and neighborliness.
Main Results:
- Alcohol consumption significantly increased post-Hurricane Katrina; cigarette smoking remained constant.
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was associated with increased cigarette smoking.
- Higher "news attention" and "provided social support" were inversely associated with smoking. "Neighborliness" was linked to alcohol consumption, and moderated PTSD's effect on alcohol use.
Conclusions:
- Post-Hurricane Katrina addictive behaviors were complexly predicted by PTSD, news exposure, and social capital.
- Social factors like neighborliness play a significant role in moderating the impact of trauma on substance use.
- Findings highlight the need for integrated mental health and social support strategies in disaster recovery.
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