Factors associated with self-reported mental health of residents exposed to Hurricane Harvey

Abstract

BackgroundElevated rates of mental morbidity have been reported among residents of areas exposed to hurricanes. This study aims to assess the self-rated mental health of Texas residents exposed to Hurricane Harvey and identify factors associated with variations in self-rated mental health. MethodsThe 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) was administered to 1086 residents of the Texas Gulf Coast exposed to Hurricane Harvey. Responses were scored using the algorithm recommended by Quality Metric. A multiple linear regression model was fitted to identify the factors that predicted the respondents' mental component summary scores (MCS). ResultsTexas Gulf Coast residents exposed to Harvey exhibited poorer self-rated mental health than the U.S national population (Mean MCS = 34.58 (SD = 8.89)). Respondents with graduate or professional degrees, older adults, and those with higher perception of surge risk had better reported mental health after Hurricane Harvey, while females and mobile home residents had poorer reported mental health. ConclusionResidents of areas exposed to Hurricane Harvey reported poorer self-rated mental health compared to national standards. These findings support the enhanced provision of mental health services after a disaster, and suggest that they may be most effective when integrated with economic and educational programs and directed towards populations that are younger and less-educated in addition to women with children as well as those who live in mobile homes.