Files and links (2)
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Cross sectional analysis of depression amongst Australian rural business owners following cyclone-related flooding
Journal of occupational medicine and toxicology, Vol.15(1), pp.1-15
24/05/2020
PMID: 32489395
Metrics
1 Record Views
Abstract
Background: Flooding is an increasingly prevalent natural hazard worldwide and can have a profound impact on the mental health of those directly and indirectly affected. Little is known about the impact on business owners, who may be particularly vulnerable to the mental health complications of flooding given the additional economic stressors.
Methods: A large cross-sectional survey was conducted six months after severe flooding in the rural Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia in 2017. The survey assessed demographics, probable depression (using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2), flood exposure, flood-related financial factors, prior flood exposure and support from various organisations. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of probable depression in 653 of the 745 participants who identified as business owners.
Results: The prevalence of probable depression in our sample was 17.0%. A quarter (25.1%) of business owners whose business was flooded suffered from probable depression, compared to 12.4% of non-flooded business owners. The multivariable model for probable depression demonstrated elevated adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for business owners who had to evacuate their business (AOR = 2.11, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.25-3.57) compared to those who did not evacuate. Insurance disputes/rejections were a strong predictor for probable depression (AOR = 3.76, CI 1.86-7.60). Those whose income was reduced due to the flood and had not returned to normal six months post-flood demonstrated an increased AOR for probable depression (AOR 2.53, CI 1.26-5.07) compared to those whose income had returned to normal. The univariable analysis found elevated crude odds ratios (OR) for the cumulative effect of multiple flood exposures and unmet support needs by the state government (OR = 2.74, CI 1.12-6.68). The majority of business owners felt their needs were not met by most organisations providing flood-related support. Conclusion: The impact of flood exposure and flood-related financial factors on probable depression was highly significant for the business owner population. Furthermore, business owners felt under-supported by flood-related services. These findings highlight the vulnerability of exposed business owners and the need for increased support. Disaster planning programs in conjunction with system level changes such as infrastructure and education are vital for disaster preparedness.
Details
- Title
- Cross sectional analysis of depression amongst Australian rural business owners following cyclone-related flooding
- Creators
- Keersten Cordelia Fitzgerald - Western Sydney UniversitySabrina Winona Pit - Western Sydney UniversityMargaret Rolfe - The University of SydneyJohn McKenzie - The University of SydneyVeronica Matthews - The University of SydneyJo Longman - The University of SydneyRoss Bailie - The University of Sydney
- Publication Details
- Journal of occupational medicine and toxicology, Vol.15(1), pp.1-15
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 15
- Grant note
- The study was funded by The University of Sydney, Western Sydney University, University of Wollongong, Northern NSW Local Health District and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
- Identifiers
- 991013344085902368
- Copyright
- © The Author(s). 2020.
- Academic Unit
- Office of the PVC (Academic Quality); Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article