Open AccessEvaluation of mental effects of disaster, Mount St. Helens eruption.
Author(s) -
J H Shore,
Ellie Tatum,
W M Vollmer
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.76.suppl.76
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , public health , medicine , epidemiology , psychiatry , population , poison control , mental health , suicide prevention , mount , mental illness , injury prevention , occupational safety and health , intervention (counseling) , environmental health , demography , geography , nursing , archaeology , pathology , sociology , computer science , operating system
This psychiatric epidemiology study following the Mount St. Helens volcanic disaster revealed a significant morbidity for psychiatric disorders. The increased prevalence showed a dose response pattern in three population groups. The findings are reported as relative and attributable risk for the two exposed populations as compared to a control group. Patterns of significant risk are presented for sex, age, and for victims with pre-existing physical illness. The research utilized a new criteria-based interview schedule for the identification of psychiatric disorders. The methodology is reviewed in the context of the controversies and assumptions within the field of behavioral response to disaster stress. There are important implications for public health planning and intervention.