Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-725
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-725
19 Mar 2024
 | 19 Mar 2024

Always on My Mind: Indications of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Those Affected by the 2021 Flood Event in the Ahr Valley, Germany

Marie-Luise Zenker, Philip Bubeck, and Annegret H. Thieken

Abstract. The devastating floods that swept through the Ahr Valley in July 2021 left indelible marks on the region's landscape and communities. Beyond the visible damage, experience from other events suggests an increase in mental health issues among those affected. However, there is a lack of data and understanding regarding the impact of flooding on mental health in Germany. Therefore, this study aims to determine how much the flooding in 2021 affected the population's mental well-being. For this purpose, a household-level survey (n = 516) was conducted in the district of Ahrweiler, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany’s most affected region, one year after the flood event, i.e., in June/July 2022. The survey utilized a short epidemiological screening scale to determine the prevalence of people who show indications of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using binary logistic regression analyses, we identify risk and protective factors that may have played a role in the development of PTSD to find intervention points for supporting those affected. Our findings reveal significant mental health issues one year after the flood event: 28.2 % of the respondents show indications of PTSD. Furthermore, this study has uncovered essential risk factors for developing indications of PTSD after flooding: female gender, getting seriously injured or sick during the event and feeling left alone to cope with flood impacts. The study emphasizes that severe flooding, such as the 2021 flood, results in new health-related needs that demand attention. As a result, care methods should be adapted to tackle the prevalence and risk factors connected with PTSD in the affected population.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Marie-Luise Zenker, Philip Bubeck, and Annegret H. Thieken

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-725', Anonymous Referee #1, 14 Apr 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Marie-Luise Zenker, 16 May 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-725', Anonymous Referee #2, 06 May 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC2', Marie-Luise Zenker, 16 May 2024

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-725', Anonymous Referee #1, 14 Apr 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Marie-Luise Zenker, 16 May 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-725', Anonymous Referee #2, 06 May 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC2', Marie-Luise Zenker, 16 May 2024
Marie-Luise Zenker, Philip Bubeck, and Annegret H. Thieken
Marie-Luise Zenker, Philip Bubeck, and Annegret H. Thieken

Viewed

Total article views: 442 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
290 127 25 442 15 16
  • HTML: 290
  • PDF: 127
  • XML: 25
  • Total: 442
  • BibTeX: 15
  • EndNote: 16
Views and downloads (calculated since 19 Mar 2024)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 19 Mar 2024)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 474 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 474 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 16 Jul 2024
Download
This paper fills a knowledge gap concerning the mental health implications following devastating flood disasters. The authors use a household-level survey to investigate risk and protective factors of post-traumatic stress disorder experienced in conjunction with the major event in the Ahr Valley, Germany, in July 2021.
Short summary
Despite the visible flood damage, mental health impacts are a growing concern. Yet, there is limited data in Germany. A survey in a heavily affected region revealed 28 % showing signs of posttraumatic stress disorder one year later. Risk factors Include gender, serious injury or illness due to flooding, and feeling left alone to cope with impacts. The study highlights the need for tailored mental health support for flood-affected populations.