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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder after Hurricane Sandy among Persons Exposed to the 9/11 Disaster
Kimberly Caramanica1, Robert M Brackbill1, Steven D Stellman2
1New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, USA.
International Journal of Emergency Mental Health
|May 12, 2015
Summary
Hurricane Sandy exacerbated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in New York City, especially for those with prior 9/11 trauma. Social support acted as a protective factor against developing PTSD after the storm.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Disaster Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Hurricane exposure is linked to adverse mental health outcomes.
- The study utilized the World Trade Center Health Registry for a survey of Hurricane Sandy-affected individuals in the NYC metropolitan area.
- It examined the link between Sandy experiences and PTSD in those with prior September 11th disaster exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between Hurricane Sandy experiences and Sandy-related PTSD.
- To assess the impact of prior 9/11 disaster exposure on developing Sandy-related PTSD.
- To identify risk and protective factors for PTSD following Hurricane Sandy.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 4,558 individuals was conducted, with a final sample of 4,137 respondents (2,214 from inundation zones, 1,923 from non-inundation zones).
- Exposures included witnessing traumatic events, injury, fear for safety, evacuation, property loss, and financial loss.
- Sandy-related PTSD was measured using a specific PTSD Checklist (score ≥44).
Main Results:
- PTSD prevalence was higher in inundation zones (11.3%) compared to non-inundation zones (4.4%).
- Highest PTSD rates were observed in those injured (31.2%), with prior 9/11 PTSD (28.8%), or low social support (28.6%) within inundation zones.
- Prior 9/11 PTSD and greater Sandy trauma exposure increased odds of Sandy-related PTSD; social support was protective.
Conclusions:
- Hurricane Sandy triggered PTSD symptoms in a significant portion of NYC residents in flooded areas.
- A history of 9/11-related PTSD heightened the risk for Sandy-related PTSD.
- Public health strategies for future disasters should include support for individuals with pre-existing trauma.
Keywords:
9/11World Trade Center Health Registrydisastershurricanesposttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)social supportMore Related Videos
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