Combined effects of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Gustav on the mental health of mothers of small children.

ABSTRACT: Few studies have assessed the results of multiple exposures to disaster. Our objective was to examine the effect of experiencing Hurricane Gustav on mental health of women previously exposed to Hurricane Katrina. A total of 102 women from Southern Louisiana were interviewed by telephone. Experience of the hurricanes was assessed with questions about injury, danger and damage, while depression was assessed with the Edinburgh Depression Scale and post-traumatic stress disorder using the Post-Traumatic Checklist. Minor stressors, social support, trait resilience and perceived benefit had been measured previously. Mental health was examined with linear and log-linear models. Women who had a severe experience of both Gustav and Katrina scored higher on the mental health scales, but finding new

SUBMITTER: Harville EW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3472438 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature