Health equity in the wake of disasters and extreme weather: evidence from an umbrella review.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Natural disasters and climate-related extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity, magnifying health inequities and exposing systemic weaknesses in health and social infrastructure.

Methods

This umbrella review synthesized findings from 33 systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2005 and 2025 to assess the physical or mental health outcomes or healthcare access impacts of disasters on populations experiencing health disparities.

Results

Mental health effects, especially post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, were consistently elevated across disaster types. Geophysical events such as earthquakes and tsunamis produced sustained psychological distress and service disruptions among displaced and low-income populati

SUBMITTER: Stimpson JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12603904 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature