Gendered flood risk perception and mental health of urban households in Ghana: Insights from the Oforikrom municipality

Abstract

It is important to understand gendered impacts of flood risks on mental health in developing countries. This study examines the gender-differentiated impacts of flood risk on the mental health of households in Ghana. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we collected data through questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews. Descriptive statistics and Student's t-test were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that both male and female headed households in the communities had experienced floods and associated impacts. However, flood risk perceptions of households were gender differentiated. The independent samples t-test result shows that the difference between male and female households' perceived mental health impacts of flooding are not significantly different. The impacts, include increased stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Additionally, the results show divergent coping strategies, with male headed households preferring temporal relocation and female headed households seeking support from family and friends. Further distinctions emerged in adaptation strategies, as male headed households constructed floodwalls, while female headed households opted for desilting drainage systems. The findings have theoretical and practical implications for flood risk management in urban Ghana and other developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.