Abstract
Natural and anthropogenic hazards are increasingly becoming commonplace due to climate change and population pressures. The state of Texas is particularly vulnerable to these hazards and is ranked first in the USA due to the immense variety and frequency of large-scale events. While much research has looked at the immediate impacts these incidents have on mental health, little research has addressed the effects of compounding and repeated exposure to hazards. This cross-sectional study (N = 1224) collected survey data from a representative sample within the Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area. Utilizing the 12 item Short Form Health Survey version 2, a general composite score assessing mental health was compared against the type and frequency of hazard exposures. Findings revealed an observed reduction in mental health scores as participants had repeated exposures to major disasters. Further, the only significant result (p < 0.001) in dictating a reduced mental health scores was repeat exposure to hazards even after adjusting for demographic data and socioeconomic variables. This research reveals the long-term mental impact hazard exposures can have and underscores the need for target public health interventions and engaged community efforts.
Highlights
Natural and anthropogenic disasters are large-scale traumatic events that often lead to the unanticipated destruction of property and death [1]
The state of Texas is vulnerable to these hazards and is ranked first in the United States due to the immense variety and frequency of large-scale events
Findings revealed an observed reduction in mental health scores as participants had repeated exposures to major disasters
Summary
Natural and anthropogenic disasters are large-scale traumatic events that often lead to the unanticipated destruction of property and death [1]. These hazards threaten large groups of people and disrupt access to services and resources. Natural disasters are increasingly becoming commonplace due to climate change and population pressures [3]. The state of Texas is vulnerable to natural disasters and is ranked first in the United States due to the immense variety and frequency of them [4]. This study aims to analyze the impact of repeated exposures to hazard disasters on mental health for the population in the Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area (HMSA), Texas
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