Impact of repeat flooding on mental health and health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional analysis of the English National Study of Flooding and Health

ObjectiveTo assess the association between flooding/repeat flooding and: (1) psychological morbidity (anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)) and (2) health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 6 months post-flooding.DesignCross-sectional analysis of data from the English National Study of Flooding and Health.SettingCumbria, England.ParticipantsQuestionnaires were sent to 2500 residential addresses at 6 months post-flooding; 590 people responded.OutcomesProbable depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire, probable anxiety using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale and probable PTSD using the short-form PTSD checklist (PCL-6). HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L. Mental health outcomes were analysed using logistic regression; HRQoL dimensions using ordinal regression; and summary index/Visual Analogue Scale scores using linear regression.ResultsOne hundred and nineteen participants had been flooded, over half of whom were experiencing a repeat flooding event (54%; n=64). Mental health outcomes were elevated among flooded compared with unaffected participants (adjusted OR for probable depression: 7.77, 95% CI: 1.51 to 40.13; anxiety: 4.16, 95% CI: 1.18 to 14.70; PTSD: 14.41, 95% CI: 3.91 to 53.13). The prevalence of depression was higher among repeat compared with single flooded participants, but this was not significant after adjustment. There was no difference in levels of anxiety or PTSD. Compared with unaffected participants, those flooded had lower EQ-5D-5L index scores (adjusted coefficient: −0.06, 95% CI: −0.12 to −0.01) and lower self-rated health scores (adjusted coefficient: −6.99, 95% CI: −11.96 to −2.02). There was, however, little difference in HRQoL overall between repeat and single flooded participants.ConclusionsInterventions are needed to help minimise the impact of flooding on people’s mental health and HRQoL.

Download Full-text

A Multifactorial Approach to Sleep and Its Association with Health-Related Quality of Life in a Multiethnic Asian Working Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16214147 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (21) ◽

pp. 4147 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gerard Dunleavy ◽

André Comiran Tonon ◽

Ai Ping Chua ◽

Yichi Zhang ◽

Kei Long Cheung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sleep Parameters ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

Sectional Analysis

This study aims to explore if objectively and subjectively measured sleep parameters are associated with physical and mental health-related quality of life in a multiethnic working population in Singapore. We performed a cross-sectional analysis with data from 329 full-time employees enrolled in a workplace cohort study in Singapore. The Short-Form 36v2 (SF-36v2) survey was used to assess health-related quality of life, in terms of physical and mental health. Subjective and objective sleep parameters were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and wrist actigraphy, respectively. Generalized linear modeling was performed to examine the association between sleep parameters and health-related quality of life. After adjusting for confounders, subjectively measured sleep disturbances were associated with a lower physical health-related quality of life, whereas higher, objectively measured sleep efficiency was associated with greater physical health-related quality of life. Subjectively measured daytime dysfunction was associated with impaired mental health-related quality of life. Using both objective and subjective measurements of sleep, the current study suggests that there is an association between sleep and health-related quality of life. Workplace health-promotion planners in Singapore should consider programmes that educate workers on better sleep hygiene practices in an effort to improve sleep and health-related quality of life.

Download Full-text