Why current medical management is failing victims of Hurricane Katrina: a review of past successes and failures in postdisaster psychosocial treatment.

BACKGROUND

More than one year after Hurricane Katrina, victims exhibit symptoms of a "chronic disease," representing the disruption of psychosocial health. This systematic review assesses the effects of trauma on multiple domains of health following a disaster.

METHOD

Authors searched disaster-related literature from 1971 to present, focusing on recent literature involving Hurricane Andrew and outcomes in nonphysical domains of health. Research relied mainly on PubMed, using keywords including "disaster," "hurricane," "psychosocial," "social," and "stress."

RESULTS

Disaster victims are at risk for negative psychosocial health. Pre-Katrina, the majority of storm victims already exhibited several risk factors that made them candidates for low levels of health.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina, both those remaining in the Gulf Coast and evacuees, are at significant risk for low levels of psychosocial health. To prevent long-term health deficits in the region, a concerted effort of research and healthcare initiatives is needed as soon as possible.