APHA
Back to Annual Meeting Page
 
American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3282.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 3:01 PM

Abstract #110510

Post-hurricane survey of older Floridians: Preparation, response, and recovery

Lisa M. Brown, PhD1, John A. Schinka, PhD2, Amy Borenstein, PhD3, and James A. Mortimer, PhD3. (1) Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, Department of Aging and Mental Health, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, 1441, Tampa, FL 33612, 813 - 974 - 0098, lmbrown@fmhi.usf.edu, (2) Department of Psychiatry, University of South Florida and Haley Veterans Hospital, 133000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. 116-B, Psychology Service, Tampa, FL 33612, (3) Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612

This study reports the results of disaster impact on a sample of older adults (n = 186) who were participants in a longitudinal study of aging and cognitive change, the Charlotte County Healthy Aging Study (CCHAS), at the time Hurricane Charley, a category 4 storm with winds of 145 mph, struck the area. We examined the efforts made by CCHAS participants in preparing, responding, and recovering from the disaster. At 2 and 8 months post-disaster, a battery of assessments and a hurricane questionnaire were administered to study participants to assess the effects of post-hurricane living conditions on well-being. Changes in psychological distress over time were examined in relationship to loss of property, loss of personal effects, injury of spouse, loss or death of pet, damage to the community, loss of electrical service, evacuation to shelters, relocation to other temporary housing, and availability of medical services. Participants also rated their sense of control since the hurricane, feelings of safety during the storm, concerns about future hurricanes, and ability to cope with future disasters. The preliminary findings of this research provide information about the emotional and behavioral consequences of the 2004 hurricanes on older Floridians.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Disasters, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

The 2004 Florida Hurricanes: Public Health and Community Responses

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA