Responding to Disasters: More Than Economic and Infrastructure Interventions

Abstract

Introduction:

Natural disasters confront individuals, communities, and governments with the challenge of rebuilding and addressing psychosocial sequelae. With the increasing number of natural disasters, it is pertinent to evaluate the efficacy of interventions and strategies to address the mental health needs of individuals and the community.

Aim:

The presentation will highlight the effectiveness of interventions post-disaster, and continued adverse outcomes five years post-event.

Methods:

An evaluation of literature related to the psychosocial impact of natural disasters, treatment efficacy, and government strategies to confront the social and psychological impact of natural disasters for the period 1983 – 2016 was undertaken.

Results:

Epidemiological studies following natural disasters, despite the use of differing psychological measures, demonstrate significant psychological morbidity – anxiety (7-42%), complicated grief (28-41%), depression (6.5-38%), post-traumatic stress disorder (11-89%), and substance misuse (1.3-24%). Intervention studies post-disaster demonstrate efficacy capability.

Discussion:

The increase in the number and impact of meteorological and hydrological events since the 1980s and the psychological, social, and economic consequences of these events have resulted in the development and implementation of government policies to confirm the immediate and long-term adverse outcomes. The focus is typically on resources and infrastructure redevelopment with less focus on social and mental health interventions, with long-term evaluation of interventions uncommon. The consequence of natural disasters emphasizes the importance of developing strategies to ensure effectively evaluated psychosocial interventions are available across at-risk communities.