Milken Institute School of Public Health Poster Presentations (Marvin Center & Video)
Poster Number
37
Document Type
Poster
Status
Graduate Student - Masters
Abstract Category
Environmental and Occupational Health
Keywords
Climate Change; Natural Disasters; Suicide; Mental Health; Emergency Preparedness
Publication Date
4-2017
Abstract
Background.
Natural disasters are projected to increase due to climate change. Mental health is not a well-researched area in public health, particularly as it relates to environmental health and in the aftermath of natural disasters. The suicide rate is approximately 13 per 100,000 people in the US, nationally. This already high suicide rate warrants researching this area mental health. Understanding the relation between natural disasters and suicide rates might help alleviate human suffering and potentially save lives in the future, in post-disaster settings. This research will further the knowledge of the association between natural disasters and suicide and provide foundation and reasoning for funding such research, as well as investment in mental health services.
Objectives.
The objective of this systematic literature review is to explore the relation between natural disasters and suicide rates among the affected population in the aftermath of major natural disasters.
Methods.
This research was produced thorough a systematic literature review following PRISMA methodology. Four digital databases, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, PsycINFO, were utilized to conduct a thorough, systematic literature review. After applying the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria and reviewing the literature in detail, seven studies were included in the final literature review.
Results.
Most of the studies (n=5) included in this review found a positive correlation between suicide rates and natural disasters. The suicide rates varied for different natural disasters and some studies found an increase of up to 40% after certain natural disasters such as recurring floods. Natural disasters found to be most associated with increased suicide rates included heatwaves, flooding, and droughts. Other studies exploring tsunamis and hurricanes found no significant increase in suicide rates.
Limitations.
With only seven articles, it limits confidence in a strong association between
disasters and suicide rates. Another major limitation is the inclusion of English-Language-Only articles.
Conclusion.
This literature review found some evidence of an association between natural disasters and suicide. Further research with better study designs is recommended to understand and prepare for increasing natural disasters as a result of climate change and their impact on mental health and suicide. We also recommend funding allocation for mental health services in emergency preparedness plans.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Open Access
1
Included in
Climate Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychiatry Commons, Vital and Health Statistics Commons
Climate Change, Natural Disasters, and Suicide: A Systematic Review
Background.
Natural disasters are projected to increase due to climate change. Mental health is not a well-researched area in public health, particularly as it relates to environmental health and in the aftermath of natural disasters. The suicide rate is approximately 13 per 100,000 people in the US, nationally. This already high suicide rate warrants researching this area mental health. Understanding the relation between natural disasters and suicide rates might help alleviate human suffering and potentially save lives in the future, in post-disaster settings. This research will further the knowledge of the association between natural disasters and suicide and provide foundation and reasoning for funding such research, as well as investment in mental health services.
Objectives.
The objective of this systematic literature review is to explore the relation between natural disasters and suicide rates among the affected population in the aftermath of major natural disasters.
Methods.
This research was produced thorough a systematic literature review following PRISMA methodology. Four digital databases, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, PsycINFO, were utilized to conduct a thorough, systematic literature review. After applying the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria and reviewing the literature in detail, seven studies were included in the final literature review.
Results.
Most of the studies (n=5) included in this review found a positive correlation between suicide rates and natural disasters. The suicide rates varied for different natural disasters and some studies found an increase of up to 40% after certain natural disasters such as recurring floods. Natural disasters found to be most associated with increased suicide rates included heatwaves, flooding, and droughts. Other studies exploring tsunamis and hurricanes found no significant increase in suicide rates.
Limitations.
With only seven articles, it limits confidence in a strong association between
disasters and suicide rates. Another major limitation is the inclusion of English-Language-Only articles.
Conclusion.
This literature review found some evidence of an association between natural disasters and suicide. Further research with better study designs is recommended to understand and prepare for increasing natural disasters as a result of climate change and their impact on mental health and suicide. We also recommend funding allocation for mental health services in emergency preparedness plans.
Comments
Poster presented at GW Annual Research Days 2017.