Stress and Physical Health Deterioration in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Abstract

The author examines how characteristics of evacuation management and FEMA trailer park communities affect hurricane evacuees' physical health. His objectives are (1) to examine to what extent typical factors influence physical health in post-disaster contexts, (2) to identify factors specific to the evacuation process and residential environment that exacerbate physical health, and (3) to expand the theoretical applicability of the stress process model by analyzing physical health under disaster conditions. Using survey data collected from 303 evacuees residing in FEMA trailer parks in Louisiana, the author estimates three nested regression models. Conditions of the evacuation process—loss of full-time employment, number of residences, and duration of residences, and FEMA trailer park environment—and sense of belonging and obstacles to involvement affect physical health when controlling for typical factors, indicating social support and social integration buffer the stress of residential instability. Findings necessitate attention to residential stability, social integration, and community involvement in disaster recovery.