Ingram Lucy Annang, Tinago Chiwoneso B, Cai Bo, Sanders Louisiana Wright, Bevington Tina, Wilson Sacoby, Magruder Kathryn M, Svendsen Erik
J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2018;29(1):284-302. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2018.0020.
Psychological stressors have been observed immediately following disasters, yet less is known about the long-term effects on the mental health of vulnerable communities. In 2005, Graniteville, S.C. was ravaged by a train derailment that leaked approximately 60 tons of chlorine gas and left several people dead in the small community. The purpose of this study was to examine the mental health of Graniteville-area residents in the nine years following the train disaster using a mixed methods approach. Using the photovoice method, participants reported compromised mental health with symptoms consistent with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, fear, and anxiety. Medical records analysis indicated that mental health-related hospital encounters generally increased post-disaster. Mental health concerns should be anticipated in the long-term aftermath of disasters. Addressing these concerns is particularly vital in resource-poor communities. Our findings can be useful in developing mental health disaster management protocols and policies for communities in the long-term post-disaster period.
灾难发生后，人们立即观察到心理压力源的存在，但对于弱势社区心理健康的长期影响，我们所知甚少。2005年，南卡罗来纳州的格兰尼特维尔被一场火车脱轨事故摧毁，事故泄漏了约60吨氯气，导致这个小社区数人死亡。本研究的目的是采用混合方法，调查火车灾难发生九年后格兰尼特维尔地区居民的心理健康状况。通过照片声音法，参与者报告称心理健康受到损害，出现了与抑郁症、创伤后应激障碍、恐惧和焦虑相符的症状。病历分析表明，与心理健康相关的医院就诊人次在灾难后总体上有所增加。在灾难的长期后果中，应预见到心理健康问题。在资源匮乏的社区，解决这些问题尤为重要。我们的研究结果有助于制定灾后长期社区心理健康灾难管理协议和政策。
