Factors Associated with Complicated Grief Following a Railway Tragedy.

Area of Science:

• Disaster mental health
• Bereavement research
• Technological disaster impact

Background:

• Technological disasters, such as the 2013 Lac-Mégantic crude oil train derailment, are understudied in bereavement research.
• The Lac-Mégantic tragedy resulted in 47 fatalities, impacting a small community and necessitating an examination of its long-term mental health consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance understanding of the bereavement consequences following technological disasters.
• To identify factors contributing to complicated grief (CG) and protective factors in survivors of the Lac-Mégantic train accident.

Main Methods:

• A representative population-based survey was conducted among 268 bereaved individuals.
• Data were collected three and a half years post-disaster, utilizing hierarchical logistic regression analysis.

Main Results:

• 26.5% (71 individuals) of the bereaved population experienced complicated grief (CG).
• Significant differences were observed between those with and without CG regarding psychological health, perceived physical health, substance use, and social/professional relationships.
• Predictive factors for CG included higher exposure to the disaster, negative event perception, having a paid job, and low income.

Conclusions:

• The study underscores the significant prevalence of complicated grief following a major technological disaster.
• Identified risk factors (exposure, perception, employment, income) require attention from health and social practitioners for targeted interventions.
• Further research is needed to develop effective support strategies for disaster-affected populations.