Citation

Zahlawi T, Roome AB, Chan CW, Campbell JJ, Tosiro B, Malanga M, Tagaro M, Obed J, Iaruel J, Taleo G, Tarivonda L, Olszowy KM, Dancause KN. Int. Health 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Département des sciences de l'activité physique, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/inthealth/ihy099

PMID

30805602

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Past studies show relationships between disaster-related displacement and adverse psychosocial health outcomes. The development of psychosocial interventions following displacement is thus increasingly prioritized. However, data from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are lacking. In October 2017, the population of Ambae Island in Vanuatu, a lower-middle income country, was temporarily displaced due to volcanic activity. We analyzed distress among adults displaced due to the event and differences based on the psychosocial support they received.

METHODS: Data on experiences during displacement, distress and psychosocial support were collected from 443 adults 2-3 wk after repatriation to Ambae Island. Four support categories were identified: Healthcare professional, Traditional/community, Not available and Not wanted. We analyzed differences in distress by sex and group using one-way ANOVA and generalized linear models.

RESULTS: Mean distress scores were higher among women (1.90, SD=0.97) than men (1.64, SD=0.98) (p<0.004). In multivariate models, psychosocial support group was associated with distress among women (p=0.033), with higher scores among women who reported no available support compared with every other group. Both healthcare professional and traditional support networks were widely used.

CONCLUSIONS: Women might be particularly vulnerable to distress during disaster-related displacement in LMICs, and those who report a lack of support might be at greater risk. Both healthcare professional and traditional networks provide important sources of support that are widely used and might help to ameliorate symptoms.

© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Language: en

Keywords

psychological distress; Pacific; developing country; intervention; mental health; psychosocial health