One Year after the Flood: Prevalence and Correlates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Residents in Fort McMurray

Abstract

Background: The 2020 Fort McMurray (FMM) and area flood caused more than $228 million in insured damage, affected over 1200 structures, and more than 13,000 people were evacuated. Objective: This study sought to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like symptoms and the risk predictors among the population of FMM one year after the 2020 flooding. Methods: An online quantitative cross-sectional survey was distributed to residents of FMM via REDCap between 24 April to 2 June 2021 to collect sociodemographic, clinical, and flood-related information. The PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-C) was used to assess likely PTSD among respondents. Results: 186 of 249 respondents completed all essential self-assessment questionnaires in the analysis, yielding a response rate of 74.7%. The prevalence of likely PTSD was 39.6% (65). Respondents with a history of depression were more likely to develop PTSD symptoms (OR = 5.71; 95% CI: 1.68–19.36). Similarly, responders with limited and no family support after the disaster were more prone to report PTSD symptoms ((OR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.02–8.05) and (OR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.06–7.74), respectively). Conclusion: Our research indicated that history of depression and the need for mental health counseling significantly increased the risk of developing PTSD symptoms following flooding; family support is protective. Further studies are needed to explore the relations between the need to receive counseling and presenting with likely PTSD symptoms.

Prevalence and distribution of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in flood victims of Dera Ismail Khan, KPK Pakistan.

“…However, a previous study carried out at Fort McMurray suggests that none of the demographic variables showed an association with likely PTSD after flooding. 19 This coincide with our findings.…”

“…18 Similarly another study suggests negative correlation between monthly income and PTSD. 19 Another study also suggests that females and those who are uneducated and unemployed suffered more from PTSD than males ,educated and employed people. 20 Since the sample size for our study was rather small, it's possible that it didn't find the difference that other studies have documented.…”

Psychological impact of the Spring 2019 flood among adult population of Iran

“…A history of mental disorder with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.07 was also one of the main determinants of depression. This was consistent with the results of other studies that reported a higher prevalence of post-flood mental disorders in individuals with a prior history (Hetherington et al, 2018; Mao et al, 2022). The history of mental disorders before the disaster by increasing the possibility to confront traumatic experiences and reducing resilience can make a person more vulnerable to post-disaster disorders (Bonanno & Gupta, 2009).…”

Developing Psychological Resilience to the Impact of Drought

“…First, the extant literature has focused mostly on general community resilience, with less focused attention on the psychological component [ 29 , 40 ]. The few studies directly addressing the psychological aspects of resilience have mainly focused on disaster and post-traumatic syndrome as public health implications [ 41 , 42 , 43 ]. This study contributes to one of the least researched aspects of drought resilience by offering a framework that opens a new discussion on the topic at the community level.…”