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Citation
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Rung AL, Gaston S, Oral E, Robinson WT, Fontham E, Harrington DJ, Trapido E, Peters ES. Environ. Health Perspect. 2016; 124(9): 1429-1435. |
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Affiliation
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Epidemiology Program, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Public Health, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. |
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Psychological sequelae are among the most pronounced effects in populations following exposure to oil spills. Women in particular represent a vulnerable yet influential population, yet have remained relatively understudied with respect to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (DHOS).
OBJECTIVE: To describe the relationship between oil spill exposure and mental health among women living in the southern coastal Louisiana parishes affected by the DHOS.
METHODS: The Women and Their Children's Health Study administered a telephone interview to a population-based sample of 2842 women between 2012 and 2014 following the DHOS. Participants were asked about depression, mental distress, domestic conflict and exposure to the oil spill.
RESULTS: Over 28% of the sample reported symptoms of depression, 13% reported severe mental distress, 16% reported an increase in the number of fights with their partner, and 11% reported an increase in the intensity of partner fights. Both economic and physical exposure were significantly associated with depressive symptoms and domestic conflict, while only physical exposure was related to mental distress.
CONCLUSIONS: This large population-based study of women in southern coastal Louisiana, a particularly disaster-prone area of the country, revealed high rates of poor mental health outcomes. Reported exposure to the DHOS was a significant predictor of these outcomes, suggesting avenues for future disaster mitigation through the provision of mental health services.
Language: en |