Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #110510

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:

Participants who attend this session will be able to
• Describe actions taken by older adults in preparation, response, and recovery from the hurricane.
• Characterize the mental and physical health needs of older adults post-disaster.
• Define the issues related to help seeking behaviors and use of mental health services following the hurricane.
• Recognize the relationship between types of losses and psychological distress related to the hurricane.

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.