HEALTH RISK BEHAVIORS AFTER NATURAL DISASTER EXPOSURE AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the association between exposure to disaster and health risk behaviors among older adults. Methods: Federal Management Agency disaster declarations were matched to self-reported behaviors for participants aged 55+ in the Health and Retirement Study 2000–2014. Vigorous physical activity, change in body mass index and current cigarette smoking were examined as outcome variables. Logistic regression was used to evaluate differences in binary outcomes (physical activity, cigarette smoking) by disaster exposure status. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess difference in categorical outcomes (change in body mass index). Results: 59,473 individuals (mean age 69 years) were included in this study. Sixty percent of respondents were exposed to one or more disasters during the study period. Those who experienced disaster were significantly more likely to gain weight (RRR=1.19, p<.01) in unadjusted analyses. With all covariates added, the model remained significant (RRR=1.21, p<.01). Vigorous physical activity was significantly less likely among the older adults who experienced disaster compared to those who did not (OR=.89, p=.001; AOR=.84, p<.01). We did not find a significant difference in the current smoking status between those who experienced disaster and those who did not (OR=.96, p=.40; AOR=.99, p=.92). Conclusion: Greater risk of limited physical activity and of weight gain was associated with exposure to natural disaster. The acute disruption of a disaster may adversely influence health behaviors, contributing to worse health among older adults. A broader set of interventions, beyond the traditional focus on immediate injury and psychological trauma, are needed.