Effect of mental health on disaster preparedness

Introduction: Individuals with poor mental health are at increased risk of negative outcomes following disasters. This association may be due to a lack of preparedness. Disaster preparedness is central to improving health outcomes following disasters among vulnerable populations. We examined the relationship between mental health status and disaster preparedness among respondents to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Methods: Three states included the general preparedness and mental illness modules in 2007 and 2009. Preparedness was defined as having an evacuation plan, a 3-day supply of medication, and a summary measure of overall preparedness that included having food, water, radio, and flashlight. Mental health was assessed using standardized measures of non-specific serious psychological and frequent mental distress. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0, accounting for complex sampling design. Results: Serious psychological distress and frequent mental distress were associated with a lack of overall preparedness (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.7 and OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.37, respectively), a 3-day supply of medication (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.83 and OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.88, 1.18, respectively), and an evacuation plan (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.32 and OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.29, respectively). Conclusions: Poor mental health is associated with multiple dimensions of disaster preparedness in a national sample of adults. Public health and emergency management interventions need to focus on preparedness of individuals with poor mental health in order to improve outcomes in future disasters and public health emergencies.