Assessing New Orleans women's physical and psychosocial response to the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina: A qualitative case study

According to the 2004 Louisiana's Health Report Card, the pre-Katrina levels of chronic diseases and their risk factors in New Orleans were higher than the national average. Research has shown that posttraumatic event coping self-efficacy levels are strongly associated with pre-disaster disease incidence and outcomes. In order to adequately understand the healthcare need of the population affected by this disaster the Tulane Xavier National Center of Excellence in Women's Health (TUXCOE) designed a qualitative study to review New Orleans women's self-identified stressors and how they respond to them.

Focus groups were conducted in the Fall of 2006, about one year after the disaster. The inclusion criteria were; women, ages 18 and older, having lived in New Orleans prior to Hurricane Katrina. Content analysis of the data revealed that stress associated with post disaster life manifested in both physical and mental symptoms such as sleeplessness, forgetfulness and headaches. Churches were identified as sources of physical support such as clothing and food as well as emotional support. The individual's personal attachment to a specific religious group was associated with stronger emotional support and better stress management. Despite the harsh realities of living in a post disaster environment, the women expressed determination to rebuild their lives and reclaim their community. Support programs should emphasize the variation of responses to stress and to partner with religious organizations to better meet the needs of the community women.