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Effect of Extreme Weather Events on Mental Health: A Narrative Synthesis and Meta-Analysis for the UK

Author

Listed:
  • Joana Cruz

    (Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, Wentworth Way, York YO10 5NG, UK)

  • Piran C. L. White

    (Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, Wentworth Way, York YO10 5NG, UK
    Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK)

  • Andrew Bell

    (Centre for Mental Health, 90 London Road, London SE1 6LN, UK)

  • Peter A. Coventry

    (Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK)

Abstract

Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity as a consequence of climate change and pose a significant threat to population mental health. This is the case even in temperate regions such as the United Kingdom (UK) where flooding and heat waves are forecast to become more common. We conducted a systematic review to quantify the prevalence and describe the causes of common mental health problems in populations exposed to extreme weather events in the UK. We searched Web of Science, EMBASE and PsycINFO for studies that measured the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in populations exposed to extreme weather events in the UK, published up to 12 December 2019. We included 17 studies, four of which were included in meta-analyses to determine the point prevalence of common mental health problems in the period within 12 months following extreme weather events. The point prevalence was 19.8% for anxiety (k = 4; n = 1458; 95% CI 7.42 to 32.15), 21.35% for depression (k = 4; n = 1458; 95% CI 9.04 to 33.65) and 30.36% for PTSD (k = 4; n = 1359; 95% CI 11.68 to 49.05). Key factors that affected mental ill health in people exposed to flooding were water depth and absence of flood warnings. Displacement from home underscored the narratives associated with people’s perceptions of the impact of flooding. The high prevalence of common mental health problems suggests that the prevention of mental ill health in populations at risk or exposed to extreme weather events should be a UK public health priority.

Suggested Citation

  • Joana Cruz & Piran C. L. White & Andrew Bell & Peter A. Coventry, 2020. "Effect of Extreme Weather Events on Mental Health: A Narrative Synthesis and Meta-Analysis for the UK," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:22:p:8581-:d:447397
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Greene, G. & Paranjothy, S. & Palmer, S.R., 2015. "Resilience and vulnerability to the psychological harm from flooding: The role of social cohesion," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(9), pages 1792-1795.
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