# 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.

## Key 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.