Identifying factors associated with mental health status following climate-related disasters: a nationwide longitudinal panel study in Korea

TL;DR

This study explores how climate-related disasters affect mental health in Korea and identifies who is most vulnerable.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into how disaster severity and demographic factors influence mental health outcomes after climate events.

Findings

Higher disaster severity is linked to increased depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms.

Older adults, women, and those with low income or education show stronger associations between casualty experience and anxiety.

Findings suggest the need for targeted mental health interventions for vulnerable groups post-disaster.

Abstract

Despite the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, identifying factors associated with mental health status remains challenging. This study aimed to determine the factors linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following heavy rainfall and typhoons.

National data on climate-related disaster victims (n=825 for heavy rainfall and n=1,220 for typhoon) from a longitudinal panel in Korea (“Long-term Survey on the Change of Life of Disaster Victims”) and data from individuals unaffected by disasters (n=893) were used. Generalized linear mixed models were employed to evaluate the factors associated with mental health status following climate-related disasters.

Greater disaster severity (e.g., experiencing casualties or asset loss) was associated with higher scores for depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), and PTSD (Impact Event Scale-Revised). The association between casualty experience and anxiety score was more pronounced among individuals over 65 years (β [log-transformed score], 1.39; standard error [SE], 0.26; p<0.001), female respondents (β, 1.20; SE, 0.20; p<0.001), those with a low education level (β, 1.18; SE, 0.25; p<0.001), and those with a low income (β, 1.45; SE, 0.26; p<0.001) compared to their counterparts.

These findings may help guide targeted interventions and shape public health policies and disaster management strategies that prioritize mental health support for the most at-risk populations, ultimately increasing community resilience to climate-related challenges.

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