Flooding and Mental Health: A Systematic Mapping Review

Abstract

BackgroundFloods are the most common type of global natural disaster. Floods have a negative impact on mental health. Comprehensive evaluation and review of the literature are lacking.ObjectiveTo systematically map and review available scientific evidence on mental health impacts of floods caused by extended periods of heavy rain in river catchments.MethodsWe performed a systematic mapping review of published scientific literature in five languages for mixed studies on floods and mental health. PUBMED and Web of Science were searched to identify all relevant articles from 1994 to May 2014 (no restrictions).ResultsThe electronic search strategy identified 1331 potentially relevant papers. Finally, 83 papers met the inclusion criteria. Four broad areas are identified: i) the main mental health disorders—post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety; ii] the factors associated with mental health among those affected by floods; iii) the narratives associated with flooding, which focuses on the long-term impacts of flooding on mental health as a consequence of the secondary stressors; and iv) the management actions identified. The quantitative and qualitative studies have consistent findings. However, very few studies have used mixed methods to quantify the size of the mental health burden as well as exploration of in-depth narratives. Methodological limitations include control of potential confounders and short-term follow up.LimitationsFloods following extreme events were excluded from our review.ConclusionsAlthough the level of exposure to floods has been systematically associated with mental health problems, the paucity of longitudinal studies and lack of confounding controls precludes strong conclusions.ImplicationsWe recommend that future research in this area include mixed-method studies that are purposefully designed, using more rigorous methods. Studies should also focus on vulnerable groups and include analyses of policy and practical responses.

Defining Population Health Vulnerability Following an Extreme Weather Event in an Urban Pacific Island Environment: Honiara, Solomon Islands

“…Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression have been shown to increase following floods. 47,48 A review of clinic records, personal stories, and news reports did reveal there was much anxiety about the injuries, illnesses, and deaths as well as distress over property loss. This was manifested by expressions of fear, irritability, and violence.…”

Assessing the vulnerability of pumping stations to trash blockage in coastal mega-cities of developing nations

“…However, pumping stations play a crucial role in defending against fluvial floods (Quan, 2014). This type of flooding is caused by inundation from river flows and can occur either due to intense, high velocity flash floods or excessive rainfall that causes river channels to overflow their banks (Fernandez et al, 2015). During fluvial flooding events, pumping stations are often used to pump out water from low-lying urban areas into storage basins or drainage channels flowing to larger water bodies such as the sea (van Andel et al, 2010).…”

Addressing Mental Health in a Changing Climate: Incorporating Mental Health Indicators into Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessments

“…Extreme heat has been shown to increase mood and behavioral disorders amongst people with pre-existing mental illness and the elderly who have poor thermoregulation [11,12,13]. Extreme weather events, like flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires have been linked to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, substance abuse, vicarious trauma, loss of identity and a loss of a sense of place, relationship strain, and helplessness [11,14,15,16,17]. Vector-borne diseases like West Nile Virus and Lyme disease may compound mental health issues for people with pre-existing mental health illness by contributing to cognitive, neurological, and mental health problems [11].…”

“…At the community level, climate change-related drought and sea-level rise can threaten natural resources, placing strain on communities, resulting in displacement, violence, and crime [14,15,16,17,18,19]. Further, a loss of land-based activities and occupations, due to a changing climate, can affect personal and community socioeconomic status leading to social and economic instability, loss of community, and a disrupted sense of belonging [14,19].…”