Climate hazards and psychological health among coastal communities in the Asia-Pacific region: a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence

Abstract

ABSTRACT This systematic review assesses the relationship between climate induced coastal hazards and psychological well-being of communities in the Asia-Pacific region. The review synthesises findings from 13 peer-reviewed articles published between 2007 and 2020, encompassing data from seven countries: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vietnam. Results reveals a robust negative association between exposure to coastal hazards and psychological outcomes, notably stress, depression, anxiety, and distress. Most of the studies (77%) corroborate negative impacts of coastal hazards on psychological health. Additionally, 69% of the reviewed articles suggest a correlation between coastal hazards and negative outcomes for community livelihoods and essential resources. The review highlights increased psychological vulnerability among marginalised subpopulations, such as economically disadvantaged communities, a trend supported by 92% of the examined articles. The findings indicates that factors such as environmental vulnerability, resource availability, community traits, and coping methods are important in determining whether a community can effectively handle coastal hazards or face increased psychological health risks. This research aligns with international health frameworks, including the World Health Organization’s Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management guidelines. However, a notable research gap emerges – the absence of studies that specifically explore psychological responses of communities to ongoing climate-related coastal hazards, such as sea-level rise. These findings emphasise an urgent need for targeted research to guide comprehensive, multidisciplinary policy interventions aimed at mitigating the psychological and socio-economic repercussions of climate-related coastal hazards.