The prevalence and risk factors for psychological distress in older men and women affected by the Wenchuan, China earthquake

Abstract

Health-care providers should develop gender-based strategies to improve mental health among older survivors in a long-term post-disaster recovery programme.

Gender-Based Risk and Protective Factors for Psychological Distress in the Midterm Recovery Period Following the Great East Japan Earthquake

“…For example, more than 40% of working-age women and men experienced psychological distress in the first year following the GEJE, 27,32 and it has been shown that relocation is a risk factor of psychological distress. 27,29 The differences between the present study and previous studies suggest that residents who stay in their own community during the midterm recovery period may have a specific type of resilience. Additionally, a young age in males and health complaints in both genders can be risk factors for psychological distress at 6 to 11 months after a natural disaster 27 ; these findings are consistent with the present results.…”

Health needs of older populations affected by humanitarian crises in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

“…[ 24 , 26 – 33 , 35 – 39 , 41 – 46 , 48 , 49 , 52 – 54 , 56 – 59 ]. Twenty-one studies reported on populations affected by natural disasters, [ 25 – 29 , 31 – 34 , 36 , 39 , 41 , 42 , 44 , 48 , 53 , 54 , 56 – 59 ] 14 by armed conflict, [ 24 , 30 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 40 , 43 , 45 – 47 , 49 – 52 ], and one for both crisis types [ 55 ]. The definition of older age ranged from ≥45 to ≥65 years of age, with most studies defining it as aged ≥60 years.…”

“…The definition of older age ranged from ≥45 to ≥65 years of age, with most studies defining it as aged ≥60 years. The majority of studies were conducted in Asia (China, [ 29 , 33 , 39 , 42 , 54 , 56 – 59 ], India, [ 28 , 53 ] Sri Lanka, [ 34 , 44 ] Pakistan [ 31 , 32 ], and Thailand [ 48 ]), followed by the Middle East (Lebanon [ 30 , 37 , 50 – 52 ] and Iran [ 25 – 27 ]), sub-Saharan Africa (the Democratic Republic of Congo, [ 24 , 43 ] Ethiopia, [ 35 ] Tanzania, [ 45 – 47 ] and Mozambique [ 49 ]), Europe (Croatia, [ 38 ] Armenia, [ 36 ] Georgia [ 40 ]), and Latin America (Honduras [ 41 ]), and one study covered 21 countries [ 55 ].…”

“…Twenty studies reported mental health and psychosocial outcomes [ 25 , 26 , 29 – 31 , 33 , 36 – 42 , 44 , 48 , 52 , 53 , 56 , 58 , 59 ]. A synthesis of key factors associated with mental health outcomes is presented in Table 1 , with detailed results given in Table 2 , and a description given below.…”

“… Comparison with non-earthquake-affected populations: survivors had lower psych. State scores (mean 11.88 12.80, p = 0.03) Cao et al, 2014 [ 29 ] [5/10] China Earthquake (60+) Psychological distress (SRQ-20/quantitative survey - cross-sectional (bivariate) None Older men: loss of family members (OR 1.32–31.53, p = 0.02); displacement from residence (OR 1.08–32.33, p = 0.04). Older women: higher educational level (OR 0.09–0.77 p = 0.02); chronic illness (OR 1.11–13.78 p = 0.03); loss of family members (OR 2.87–76.51 p = 0.00); displacement from residence (OR 3.37–37.18 p = 0.00).…”