Physical and mental health status of women in disaster-affected areas in Bangladesh
Article
Article Title | Physical and mental health status of women in disaster-affected areas in Bangladesh |
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ERA Journal ID | 1986 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Fatema, Syadani Riyad, Rice, Kylie, Rock, Adam, Islam, Md Shahidul, East, Leah and Usher, Kim |
Journal Title | Natural Hazards |
Journal Citation | 117 (3), p. 2715–2733 |
Number of Pages | 19 |
Year | 2023 |
Publisher | Springer |
Place of Publication | Switzerland |
ISSN | 0921-030X |
1573-0840 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-023-05964-5 |
Web Address (URL) | https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11069-023-05964-5 |
Abstract | Despite the increased risk of disasters in the Bangladesh, there is a dearth of research about women’s physical and mental health vulnerability following disasters. This study aimed to explore the physical and mental health status and associated risk factors of women in recurrent disaster-affected areas of Bangladesh. Participants (N = 408) were recruited using systematic random sampling from two purposively selected disaster-prone areas (Upazilas of Sagata and Sarankhola), using a structured questionnaire conducted in person. Physical and mental health status was assessed using the health Short Form 12 (SF-12) measure that is comprised of both physical health (PCS-12) and mental health (MCS-12) subscales. Of the 408 participants, the mean scores on PCS-12 and MCS-12 subscales were 43.85 ± 28.04 and 37.70 ± 27.29, respectively, which were strongly correlated, r = .71, p < .001. Overall, 65.9% and 63.0% of total participants scored below the validated cut-off of PCS-12 and MCS-12 subscales which indicates both poor physical and mental health. The results indicated that physical and mental health were significantly poorer for the participants who witnessed casualties, lost family members or relatives, were relocated to shelters and sacrificed food during disasters. Moreover, poorer mental health scores were identified among participants who were physically injured and/or consulted a medical practitioner during or after the disaster. Accurate health knowledge is crucial for adequate and effective disaster preparation to decrease the health impacts on women in disaster-prone areas of Bangladesh. Research in this area is needed, and strategies to improve the public health status of women are warranted. |
Keywords | Disasters ; Women ; Physical health ; Mental health ; Risk factors ; Bangladesh |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 420699. Public health not elsewhere classified |
Byline Affiliations | University of New England |
Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh | |
School of Nursing and Midwifery |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/z1142/physical-and-mental-health-status-of-women-in-disaster-affected-areas-in-bangladesh
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